Topical skin care formulations comprising plant extracts

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are topical skin compositions and corresponding methods for their use that include plant extracts. One such composition can include a TNF-α inhibitor, wherein said inhibitor is an aqueous extract from the whole plant of  Polygonum multiflorum , an antioxidant and a tyrosinase inhibitor, wherein said antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitior is an aqueous extract from the whole plant of  Lonicera japonica , and a dermatologically acceptable carrier, wherein the composition can include at least 50% by weight of water.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/468,437, filed Mar. 28, 2011. The contents of the referencedapplication is incorporated into this application by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to compositions that include oneor any combination of plants or extracts thereof selected from the groupconsisting of: Oenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian, Alternantheraphiloxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picris hieracioidesssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthusfragrans, Michelia chapensis, Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamiacapitata, Ficus microcarpa, Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens,Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila, Cercis chinensis, Rhododendrondecorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida, Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada,Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercus variabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastomanormale, Lycium chinensis, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana,Plumbago auriculata, Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii,Carissa spinarum, Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrensvar. dealbata, Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara,Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi,Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvilleaglabra, Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata,Ajuga forrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicerajaponica, Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis,Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, Cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and Deutzia glomeruliflora.The compositions can be formulated as topical skin compositions, ediblecompositions, injectible compositions, oral compositions, hair carecompositions, etc. In particular embodiments, any one of the followingcan be used or any combination thereof: Lonicera japonica extract,Polygonum multiflorum extract, and/or Astragalus membranaceus extract(combinations include Lonicera japonica extract with Polygonummultiflorum extract or Lonicera japonica extract with Astragalusmembranaceus or Polygonum multiflorum extract with Astragalusmembranaceus extract or Lonicera japonica extract, Polygonum multiflorumextract, and Astragalus membranaceus extract. In other instances, thefollowing combination can be used: Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrumextract with Ajuga forrestii extract; Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrumextract with Ephedra sinica extract; Ajuga forrestii extract withEphedra sinica extract; and Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum extract,Ephedra sinica extract, and Ajuga forrestii extract.

B. Description of Related Art

Ageing, chronic exposure to adverse environmental factors, malnutrition,fatigue, etc., can change the visual appearance, physical properties, orphysiological functions of skin in ways that are considered visuallyundesirable. The most notable and obvious changes include thedevelopment of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, increasedsagging, loss of firmness, loss of color evenness or tone, coarsesurface texture, and mottled pigmentation. Less obvious, but measurablechanges which occur as skin ages or endures chronic environmental insultinclude a general reduction in cellular and tissue vitality, reductionin cell replication rates, reduced cutaneous blood flow, reducedmoisture content, accumulated errors in structure and function,alterations in the normal regulation of common biochemical pathways, anda reduction in the skin's ability to remodel and repair itself. Many ofthe alterations in appearance and function of the skin are caused bychanges in the outer epidermal layer of the skin, while others arecaused by changes in the lower dermis.

Previous attempts to improve the visual appearance of skin with knownskin active-ingredients have been shown to have various drawbacks suchas skin irritation and prolonged recovery periods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors discovered that a wide variety of plants, plant parts, andextracts thereof have therapeutic benefits. These plants and extractsthereof are from Oenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian, Alternantheraphiloxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picris hieracioidesssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthusfragrans, Michelia chapensis, Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamiacapitata, Ficus microcarpa, Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens,Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila, Cercis chinensis, Rhododendrondecorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida, Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada,Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercus variabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastomanormale, Lycium chinensis, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana,Plumbago auriculata, Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii,Carissa spinarum, Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrensvar. dealbata, Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara,Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi,Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvilleaglabra, Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata,Ajuga forrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicerajaponica, Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis,Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and/or Deutziaglomeruliflora. In particular aspects, compositions of the presentinvention can include any one of, any combination of, all of, or atleast 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37,38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55,56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73,74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 of said plants, plantparts, and/or extracts thereof. In particular instances, the combinationof Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum and Ajuga forrestii extracts wasfound to work especially well to provide skin with protection fromoxidative events (e.g., oxidation caused by reaction oxidative speciesor environmental conditions or sun exposure) as well as inhibit TNF-αactivity (which can reduce skin inflammation, calm or soothe skin, andtreat erythemic skin), inhibit tyrosinae activity (which can be used tolighten skin, even skin tone, and treat hyperpigmentation, sun spots, ormelasma), and increase or activate collagen synthesis in the skin (whichcan be used to rebuild the skin matrix, increase collagen within skin,and treat fine lines or wrinkles). In some instances, the addition ofEphedra sinica extract can also be used to further supplement theinhibition of Tyrosinase activity in skin. Alternatively, and in someinstances, the combination of Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum withEphedra sinica extract was found to work well together in inhibitingtyrosinase activity in that the combination can produce a synergisticeffect. In even other embodiments, a combination of Ajuga forrestiiextract with Ephedra sinica extract can be used to provide skin withprotection from oxidative events (e.g., oxidation caused by reactionoxidative species or environmental conditions or sun exposure) as wellas inhibit TNF-α activity (which can reduce skin inflammation, calm orsoothe skin, and treat erythemic skin), inhibit tyrosinae activity(which can be used to lighten skin, even skin tone, and treathyperpigmentation, sun spots, or melasma), and increase or activatecollagen synthesis in the skin (which can be used to rebuild the skinmatrix, increase collagen within skin, and treat fine lines orwrinkles). In particular instances, the extracts can be from the wholeplant and can be aqueous extracts. However, it is contemplated that inaddition to the whole plant, part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap,stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark,etc.) can be used such that one portion of the plant is used at theexclusion of the other portions of the plant to produce the extract. Asnoted above, the extract can be an aqueous extract but can also be anon-aqueous extract. The extract can be extracted with alcohol (e.g.,methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols (e.g., butyleneglycol, propylene glycol, etc.), oils, water, etc. The extracts can beincluded in compositions such as topical skin compositions, ediblecompositions, injectible compositions, oral compositions, pharmaceuticalcompositions, hair care compositions, etc. The composition can include0.0001% to 20% by weight of said plant, plant part, and/or extractthereof (or 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30,40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99%, or more or any integer or range therein).

In one embodiement, there is disclosed a topical skin compositioncomprising a TNF-α inhibitor, wherein said inhibitor is an aqueousextract from the whole plant (or any part thereof) of Polygonummultiflorum and/or an antioxidant and a tyrosinase inhibitor, whereinsaid antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitior is an aqueous extract fromthe whole plant (or any part thereof) of Lonicera japonica and adermatologically acceptable carrier, wherein the composition comprisesat least 50% by weight of water. In certain aspect, the composition caninclude at 30 to 95% by weight of water, 45 to 95% by weight of water,55 to 95% by weight of water, 65 to 95% by weight of water 75 to 95% byweight of water or 85 to 95% by weight of water. In certain aspects, thecomposition can include 0.001 to 5% by weight of Polygonum multiflorumextract and/or 0.001 to 5% by weight of Lonicera japonica extract andsaid amounts can be greater if desired (e.g., 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20% byweight or more). The composition can be a lotion, cream, gel, serum, oremulsion. The composition can include a moisturization agent, anantioxidant, a structuring or thickening agent, and an emulsifier,non-limitinig examples of said ingredients are provided below in thisspecification. The composition can further include a silicone containingcompound and/or a sunscreen agent, non-limiting examples of saidingredients are provided below in this specification. In some instances,the composition can further include an aqueous extract from the wholeplant (or any part thereof) of Astragalus membranaceus. The compositioncan be formulated as a cosmetic product, non-limtiing examples of whichcan be a cleanser product, a toner product, a moisturizer product, or amask product. Also disclosed is a method of using said composition totreat skin in need thereof. The composition is capable ofinhibiting/reducing TNF-α activity and tyrosinase activity in said skin.The composition is also capable of preventing oxidative damage inskin/skin cells. The composition can be applied to inflamed skin (e.g.,sensitive skin, erythemic skin, etc.). The composition can be applied tohyperpigmented skin, a sunspot, a liver spot, an age spot, or melasmicskin. The composition can be applied to skin having or diagnosed withuneven skin tone.

In another particular embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skincomposition comprising an extract from the whole plant (or any partthereof) of Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum and/or an extract from thewhole plant of Ajuga forrestii and a dermatologically acceptablecarrier. The composition can include at 30 to 95% by weight of water, 45to 95% by weight of water, 55 to 95% by weight of water, 65 to 95% byweight of water 75 to 95% by weight of water or 85 to 95% by weight ofwater. In certain aspects, the composition can include 0.001 to 5% byweight of Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum extract and/or 0.001 to 5%by weight of Ajuga forrestii extract and said amounts can be greater ifdesired (e.g., 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20% by weight or more). The extractscan be aqueous extracts. The composition can be a lotion, cream, gel,serum, emulsion, in powdered form, or a product such as a cleanser,toner, moisturizer, mask, or sunscreen. The composition can include amoisturization agent, an antioxidant, a structuring or thickening agent,and an emulsifier, non-limiting examples of each of these ingredientsare provided below in the specification. The composition can furtherinclude a silicone containing compound and/or a sunscreen agent,non-limiting examples of which are also provided below in thespecification. In some aspects, the composition can further include anextract from the whole plant (or any part thereof) of ephedra sinica.Also contemplated is a method of treating skin comprising topicallyapplying this composition to skin in need thereof, wherein topicalapplication of said composition treats said skin. The composition caninhibit TNF-α activity in said skin. The composition can be applied toinflamed skin, erythemic skin, sensitive skin, dry skin, flaky skin, oritchy skin. The composition can stimulate collagen synthesis in saidskin. The composition can be applied to a fine line or wrinkle, saggingskin, or loose skin, or skin having pits or nodules. The composition canreduce oxidative damage in skin cells. The composition can inhibittyrosinase activity in said skin. The composition can be applied tohyperpigmented skin, a sunspot, an age spot, a liver spot, or melasmicskin. Also contemplated is a method inhibiting tyrosinase activity inskin comprising topically applying to skin in need thereof a compositioncomprising an extract from the whole plant (or any part thereof) ofLoropetalum chinensis var. rubrum and/or an extract from the whole plant(or any part thereof) of Ephedra sinica, wherein topical application ofsaid composition inhibits tyrosinase activity in said skin. Thecomposition can be applied to hyperpigmented skin, melasmic skin, asunspot or age spot on said skin, or skin having an uneven skin tone.

In particular aspects, the compositions of the present invention areformulated as topical skin composition. The composition can have adermatologically acceptable vehicle or carrier for the plant, plantpart, or extract thereof. The composition can further include amoisturizing agent or a humectant, a surfactant, a silicone containingcompounds, a UV agent, an oil, and/or other ingredients identified inthis specification or those known in the art. The composition can be alotion, cream, gel, serum, emulsion (e.g., oil-in-water, water-in-oil,silicone-in-water, water-in-silicone, water-in-oil-in-water,oil-in-water, oil-in-water-in-oil, oil-in-water-in-silicone, etc.),solutions (e.g., aqueous or hydro-alcoholic solutions), anhydrous bases(e.g., lipstick or a powder), ointments, milk, paste, aerosol, solidforms, eye jellies, etc. The composition can be in powdered form (e.g.,dried, lyophilized, particulate, etc.). The composition can beformulated for topical skin application at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, ormore times a day during use. In other aspects of the present invention,compositions can be storage stable or color stable, or both. It is alsocontemplated that the viscosity of the composition can be selected toachieve a desired result, e.g., depending on the type of compositiondesired, the viscosity of such composition can be from about 1 cps towell over 1 million cps or any range or integer derivable therein (e.g.,2 cps, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100,200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000,6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 20000, 30000, 40000, 50000, 60000, 70000,80000, 90000, 100000, 200000, 300000, 400000, 500000, 600000, 700000,800000, 900000, 1000000, 2000000, 3000000, 4000000, 5000000, 10000000,cps, etc., as measured on a Brookfield Viscometer using a TC spindle at2.5 rpm at 25° C.).

The compositions of the present invention can also be modified to have adesired oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. In certainnon-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present invention or theplant, plant parts, or extracts thereof identified throughout thisspecification can be modified to have an ORAC value per mg of at leastabout 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70,80, 90, 95, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000,3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 15000, 20000, 30000,50000, 100000 or more or any range derivable therein.

The compositions in non-limiting aspects can have a pH of about 6 toabout 9. In other aspects, the pH can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, or 14. The compositions can include a triglyceride.Non-limiting examples include small, medium, and large chaintriglycerides. In certain aspects, the triglyceride is a medium chaintriglyceride (e.g., caprylic capric triglyceride). The compositions canalso include preservatives. Non-limiting examples of preservativesinclude methylparaben, propylparaben, or a mixture of methylparaben andpropylparaben.

Compositions of the present invention can have UVA and UVB absorptionproperties. The compositions can have an sun protection factor (SPF) of2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, or more, or any integer or derivative therein. Thecompositions can be sunscreen lotions, sprays, or creams.

The compositions of the present invention can also include any one of,any combination of, or all of the following additional ingredients:water, a chelating agent, a moisturizing agent, a preservative, athickening agent, a silicone containing compound, an essential oil, astructuring agent, a vitamin, a pharmaceutical ingredient, or anantioxidant, or any combination of such ingredients or mixtures of suchingredients. In certain aspects, the composition can include at leasttwo, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or all of theseadditional ingredients identified in the previous sentence. Non-limitingexamples of these additional ingredients are identified throughout thisspecification and are incorporated into this section by reference. Theamounts of such ingredients can range from 0.0001% to 99.9% by weight orvolume of the composition, or any integer or range in between asdisclosed in other sections of this specification, which areincorporated into this paragraph by reference.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedplants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof in combination with any oneof, any combination of, or all of the following ingredients: water;glycerin; butylene glycol; propylene glycol; phenoxyethanol; a chelatingagent (e.g., EDTA, disodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, EGTA, disodium EGTA,trisodium EGTA, citric acid, phosphoric acid, succinic acid, etc.);steareth-20; chlorhexidine diglunonate; potassium sorbate; and/or apreservative (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben,ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, etc.). In particular aspects, thecomposition can further include any one of, any combination of, or allof the following additional ingredients: alcohol; denatured alcohol;glyceryl stearate; dimethicone; PEG-100 stearate; capryl glycol;triethanolamine; maltodextrin; sorbic acid; ethylene brassylate; methyllinalool; isobutyl methyl tetrahydropyranol; ethylhexylglycerin; and/orhexylene glycol. The concentrations of these ingredients can range from0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or any integer orrange derivable therein as explained in other portions of thisspecification which are incorporated into this paragraph by reference.In particular aspects, the concentration of water can be at least 35% to80% by weight of water.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedplants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof in combination with any oneof, any combination of, or all of the following ingredients: water;dimethicone; triethanolamine; phenonip; betaine; a chelating agent(e.g., EDTA, disodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, EGTA, disodium EGTA,trisodium EGTA, citric acid, phosphoric acid, succinic acid, etc.);tocopheryl acetate; and/or prodew 400. In particular aspects, thecomposition can further include any one of, any combination of, or allof the following additional ingredients: propylene glycol; isododecane;polyacrylamide/C13-C14 isoparaffin/laureth 7 mixture; PEG-12dimethicone; and/or ethylhexyl palmitate. The concentrations of theseingredients can range from 0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of thecomposition or any integer or range derivable therein as explained inother portions of this specification which are incorporated into thisparagraph by reference. In particular aspects, the concentration ofwater can be at least 35% to 80% by weight of water.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedplants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof in combination with any oneof, any combination of, or all of the following ingredients: water;glycerin; pentylene glycol; capryl glycol; disodium EDTA;capric/caprylic triglyceride; shea butter; squalane; cetyl alcohol;dimethicone; ceramide II; stearic acid; a mixture of glyceryl stearateand PEG 100 stearate; or a mixture of acrylamide/acryloyl dimethyltaurate copolymer, isohexadecane, and polysorbate 80. The concentrationsof these ingredients can range from 0.00001 to 99% by weight or volumeof the composition or any integer or range derivable therein asexplained in other portions of this specification which are incorporatedinto this paragraph by reference. In particular aspects, theconcentration of water can be at least 35% to 80% by weight of water.The ratio of water to glycerin can be from about 7:1 to 9:1 based on thetotal weight of the composition. The ratio of glycerin to pentyleneglycol can be from about 1:1 to about 2:1 based on the total weight ofthe composition.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes any one of or combination of theaforementioned plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof incombination with any one of, any combination of, or all of the followingingredients: water; glycerin; capryl glycol; capryl glycol; disodiumEDTA; petrolatum; squalane; cetyl alcohol; a mixture of glycerylstearate and PEG 100 stearate; dimethicone; or a mixture ofacrylamide/acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer, isohexadecane, andpolysorbate 80. The concentrations of these ingredients can range from0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or any integer orrange derivable therein as explained in other portions of thisspecification which are incorporated into this paragraph by reference.In particular aspects, the concentration of water can be at least 35% to80% by weight of water. The ratio of water to glycerin can be from about12:1 to 16:1 based on the total weight of the composition. The ratio ofglycerin to pentylene glycol can be from about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes any one of or combination of theaforementioned plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof incombination with any one of, any combination of, or all of the followingingredients: water; xanthan gum; disodium EDTA; pentylene glycol; caprylglycol; acrylate C10-30 acrylate cross polymer; triethanolamine;PVP/hexadecene copolymer; C12-15 alkyl benzoate; sorbitan isostearate;or a sunscreen agent. The concentrations of these ingredients can rangefrom 0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or anyinteger or range derivable therein as explained in other portions ofthis specification which are incorporated into this paragraph byreference. In particular aspects, the concentration of water can be atleast 35% to 80% by weight of water. The ratio of water to C12-15 alkylbenzoate can be from about 2:1 to 3:1 based on the total weight of thecomposition. The ratio of water to pentylene glycol can be from about9:1 to about 11:1 based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes any one of or combination of theaforementioned plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof incombination with any one of, any combination of, or all of the followingingredients: water; disodium EDTA; citric acid; pentylene glycol; caprylglycol; sodium cocoamphodiacetate; or sodium methyl cocoyl taurate. Theconcentrations of these ingredients can range from 0.00001 to 99% byweight or volume of the composition or any integer or range derivabletherein as explained in other portions of this specification which areincorporated into this paragraph by reference. In particular aspects,the concentration of water can be at least 35% to 80% by weight ofwater. The ratio of water to pentylene glycol can be from about 12:1 to14:1 based on the total weight of the composition. The ratio of water tosodium cocoamphodiacetate can be from about 8:1 to about 11:1 based onthe total weight of the composition. The ratio of water to sodium methylcocoyl taurate can be from about 2:1 to about 4:1 based on the totalweight of the composition. The ratio of sodium methyl cocoyl taurate tosodium cocoamphodiacetate can be from about 2:1 to about 4:1 based onthe total weight of the composition.

Also disclosed is an extract from Oenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian,Alternanthera philoxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picrishieracioides ssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha, Acanthopanaxgracilistylus, Osmanthus fragrans, Michelia chapensis, Rhododendronspinuliferum, Dendrobenthamia capitata, Ficus microcarpa, Vitex negundo,Sequoia sempervirens, Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila, Cercischinensis, Rhododendron decorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida, Berchemiapolyphylla var. leioclada, Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercus variabilis,Prunus serrulata, Melastoma normale, Lycium chinensis, Chamaecyparispisifera, Millettia dielsiana, Plumbago auriculata, Nandina domestica,Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii, Carissa spinarum, Wisteria floribunda,Schima argentea, Acacia decurrens var. dealbata, Viburnum ichangense,Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara, Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalumchinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi, Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtziacypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvillea glabra, Serissa serissoides,Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata, Ajuga forrestii, Terminaliachebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicera japonica, Achyranthes bidentata,Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis, Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephalaauriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx, Castanea molissima, Elaeagnusbockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomum parthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula,Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecrista mimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica,Castanopsis eyrei, Girardinia palmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major,Swertia macrosperma, Onosma paniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerberajamesonii, Astragalus membranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpamacrophylla, Livistona chinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidiumvirginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum, Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamialanceolata, and/or Deutzia glomeruliflora. The extract can be from thewhole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf,flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.), ormixtures from different parts of the plant. The extract can be anaqueous extract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can be extractedwith alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc. The extracts can be included in a composition. Thecomposition can include 0.01% to 20% by weight of said plant, plantpart, and/or extract thereof (or 0.1, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7,0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99%, or more or any integer or rangetherein). The composition can include any one of, any combination of,all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69,70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 ofsaid extracts. The plant part can be the whole plant or part of theplant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem,root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be from the wholeplant or part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower,seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract canbe an aqueous extract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can beextracted with alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol,etc.), glycols, oils, water, etc. The composition can take the form of apill, liquid gel cap, tablet, or powder. The composition can be aninjectable solution (e.g., for intravenous delivery). The compositioncan be in the form of a neutraceutical. The composition can be a topicalskin composition. The composition can be in aerosolized form. Theextract can be an aqueous or a non-aqueous extract. The aqueous extractcan include an alcohol, a glycol, water and/or water. Non-aqueousextract can include a fat or an oil.

One aspect of the present invention concerns a method of treating orpreventing a skin condition comprising topically applying any one of thecompositions disclosed in this specification to skin having a skincondition. As noted throughout, the composition can include a plant,plant part, or extract thereof from Oenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian,Alternanthera philoxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picrishieracioides ssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha, Acanthopanaxgracilistylus, Osmanthus fragrans, Michelia chapensis, Rhododendronspinuliferum, Dendrobenthamia capitata, Ficus microcarpa, Vitex negundo,Sequoia sempervirens, Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila, Cercischinensis, Rhododendron decorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida, Berchemiapolyphylla var. leioclada, Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercus variabilis,Prunus serrulata, Melastoma normale, Lycium chinensis, Chamaecyparispisifera, Millettia dielsiana, Plumbago auriculata, Nandina domestica,Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii, Carissa spinarum, Wisteria floribunda,Schima argentea, Acacia decurrens var. dealbata, Viburnum ichangense,Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara, Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalumchinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi, Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtziacypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvillea glabra, Serissa serissoides,Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata, Ajuga forrestii, Terminaliachebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicera japonica, Achyranthes bidentata,Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis, Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephalaauriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx, Castanea molissima, Elaeagnusbockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomum parthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula,Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecrista mimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica,Castanopsis eyrei, Girardinia palmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major,Swertia macrosperma, Onosma paniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerberajamesonii, Astragalus membranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpamacrophylla, Livistona chinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidiumvirginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum, Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamialanceolata, and/or Deutzia glomeruliflora. The composition can includeany one of, any combination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43,44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61,62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79,80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 of said plants, plant parts, and/or extractsthereof. The plant part can be the whole plant or part of the plant(e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root,flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be from the whole plantor part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed,leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be anaqueous extract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can be extractedwith alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc. The composition can include a dermatoligicallyacceptable vehicle. Non-limiting examples of skin conditions that can betreated and/or prevented with the compositions of the present inventioninclude dry skin, itchy skin, flaky skin, inflamed skin, erythemic skin,pain associated with erythemic skin, sensitive skin, pruritus, spiderveins, lentigo, age spots, senile purpura, keratosis, melasma, blotches,fine lines or wrinkles, nodules, sun damaged skin, dermatitis(including, but not limited to seborrheic dermatitis, nummulardermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, exfoliativedermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis), psoriasis,folliculitis, rosacea, acne, postules, nodules, whiteheads, blackheads,impetigo, erysipelas, erythrasma, eczema, sun burns, burned skin, openwounds, skin-inflammatory skin conditions, etc. In certain non-limitingaspects, the skin condition can be caused by exposure to UV light, age,irradiation, chronic sun exposure, environmental pollutants, airpollution, wind, cold, heat, chemicals, disease pathologies, smoking, orlack of nutrition. The skin can be facial skin or non-facial skin (e.g.,arms, legs, hands, chest, back, feet, etc.). The method can furthercomprise identifying a person in need of skin treatment. The person canbe a male or female. The age of the person can be at least 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85, 90, 95, or more years old, or any range derivable therein. Themethod can also include topically applying an amount effective to:increase the stratum corneum turnover rate of the skin; increasecollagen synthesis in fibroblasts; increase cellular anti-oxidantdefense mechanisms (e.g., exogenous additions of anti-oxidants canbolster, replenish, or prevent the loss of cellular antioxidants such ascatalase and glutathione in skin cells (e.g., keratinocytes,melanocytes, langerhans cells, etc.) which will reduce or preventoxidative damage to the skin, cellular, proteins, and lipids); inhibitmelanin production in melanocytes; reduce or prevent oxidative damage toskin (including reducing the amount lipid peroxides and/or proteinoxidation in the skin).

In yet another embodiment, the extracts disclosed throughout thisspecification can be used treat skin conditions or diseases associatedwith oxidation of skin cells (e.g., extracts that have antioxidativeproperties), melanin production (e.g., extracts that have the ability tomodify or otherwise inhibit melanin production in skin cells),tyrosinase activity (e.g., extracts that have the ability to modify orotherwise inhibt tyrosinase activity in skin cells), TNF-α activity(e.g., extracts that have the ability to modify or otherwise inhibitTNF-α activity), and collagen production (e.g., extracts that have theability to modify or otherwise increase or stimulate collagenproduction). The data in the Examples and the information provided inthe Detailed Description concerning the extracts provide information onthe antioxidant, melanin inhibition, TNF-α inhibition, tyrosinaseinhibition, and collagen production abilities of said extracts. Inparticular embodiments, extracts that have antioxidant properties can beused to treat, prevent, or reduce oxidative damage to skin cells fromexternal environmental factors (e.g., pollution, sun, chemicals, etc.).Extracts having TNF-α inhibition properties can be used to reduce TNF-αactivity in skin cells having increased TNF-α activity (e.g., inflamedskin, red skin, erythemic skin, sun burned skin, burned skin, or otherskin-related diseases that are also inflammatory diseases). Extractshaving melanin inhibition or tyrosinase inhibiton properties can be usedto reduce or otherwise prevent melanin or tyrosinase production oractivity in skin cells, which can be used to treat hyperpigmented skin,uneven skin, melasmic skin, dark spots, aged spots, sun spots, blotchyskin, etc. Extracts having the ability to increase collagen productionor promote collagen production in skin cells can be used to treat finelines and wrinkles, sagging skin, loose skin, etc.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a methodof reducing the appearance of symptoms associated with erythema (e.g.,erythemic skin, sensitive skin, inflamed skin) comprising topicallyapplying any one of the compositions of the present invention to skin inneed thereof. Erythema can be caused by skin sunburn, electricaltreatments of skin, skin burns, contact allergies, systemic allergies,skin toxicity, exercise, insect stings, bacterial infection, viralinfection, fungal infection, protozoa infection, massage, windburn, etc.As noted throughout, the composition can include a plant, plant part, orextract thereof from Oenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian, Alternantheraphiloxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picris hieracioidesssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthusfragrans, Michelia chapensis, Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamiacapitata, Ficus microcarpa, Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens,Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila, Cercis chinensis, Rhododendrondecorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida, Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada,Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercus variabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastomanormale, Lycium chinensis, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana,Plumbago auriculata, Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii,Carissa spinarum, Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrensvar. dealbata, Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara,Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi,Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvilleaglabra, Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata,Ajuga forrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicerajaponica, Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis,Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and/or Deutziaglomeruliflora. The composition can include any one of, any combinationof, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 ofsaid plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof. The plant part can bethe whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf,flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). Theextract can be from the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueous extract or a non-aqueousextract. The extract can be extracted with alcohol (e.g., methanol,ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols, oils, water, etc.

In still another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed amethod of treating dry, flaky, or itchy skin or reducing the appearanceof uneven skin tone comprising topically applying any one of thecompositions disclosed in this specification to dry, flaky, or itchyskin or to skin having an uneven skin tone. As noted throughout, thecomposition can include a plant, plant part, or extract thereof fromOenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Pyruspyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picris hieracioides ssp. Japonica, Phoebeneurantha, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthus fragrans, Micheliachapensis, Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamia capitata, Ficusmicrocarpa, Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens, Hypericum forrestii,Ficus pumila, Cercis chinensis, Rhododendron decorum, Ficus retusassp.nitida, Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada, Elaeocarpus decipiens,Quercus variabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastoma normale, Lyciumchinensis, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana, Plumbagoauriculata, Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii, Carissaspinarum, Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrens var.dealbata, Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camas,Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi,Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvilleaglabra, Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata,Ajuga forrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicerajaponica, Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis,Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and/or Deutziaglomeruliflora. The composition can include any one of, any combinationof, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 ofsaid plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof. The plant part can bethe whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf,flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). Theextract can be from the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueous extract or a non-aqueousextract. The extract can be extracted with alcohol (e.g., methanol,ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols, oils, water, etc.

Also disclosed is a method of reducing the appearance of fine lines orwrinkles comprising topically applying any one of the compositionsdisclosed in this specification to skin having fine lines or wrinkles.As noted throughout, the composition can include a plant, plant part, orextract thereof from Oenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian, Alternantheraphiloxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picris hieracioidesssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthusfragrans, Michelia chapensis, Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamiacapitata, Ficus microcarpa, Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens,Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila, Cercis chinensis, Rhododendrondecorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida, Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada,Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercus variabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastomanormale, Lycium chinensis, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana,Plumbago auriculata, Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii,Carissa spinarum, Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrensvar. dealbata, Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara,Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi,Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvilleaglabra, Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata,Ajuga forrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicerajaponica, Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis,Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and/or Deutziaglomeruliflora. The composition can include any one of, any combinationof, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 ofsaid plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof. The plant part can bethe whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf,flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). Theextract can be from the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueous extract or a non-aqueousextract. The extract can be extracted with alcohol (e.g., methanol,ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols, oils, water, etc.

In certain embodiments, compositions of the present invention candecrease the amount of internal oxidation and/or external oxidativedamage in a cell. In other aspects, the compositions can increasecollagen synthesis in a cell. The compositions can also reduce skininflammation, such as by reducing inflammatory cytokine production in acell. Non-limiting examples of such cells include human epidermalkeratinocyte, human fibroblast dermal cell, human melanocytes, threedimensional human cell-derived in vitro tissue equivalents comprisinghuman keratinocytes, human fibroblasts, or human melanocytes, or anycombination thereof (e.g., combination of human keratinocytes and humanfibroblasts or a combination of human keratinocytes and humanmelanocytes).

Also disclosed is a method of treating hyperpigmentation comprisingapplying the compositions of the present invention to the skin. Themethod can also comprise identifying a person in need of treatinghyperpigmentation and applying the composition to a portion of the skinexhibiting hyperpigmentation. Additional methods contemplated by theinventors include methods for reducing the appearance of an age spot, askin discoloration, or a freckle, reducing or preventing the appearanceof fine lines or wrinkles in skin, or increasing the firmness of skin byapplying the compositions of the present invention to skin in need ofsuch treatment. As noted throughout, the composition can include aplant, plant part, or extract thereof from Oenothera rosea, Salviaplebeian, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Daturastramonium, Picris hieracioides ssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha,Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthus fragrans, Michelia chapensis,Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamia capitata, Ficus microcarpa,Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens, Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila,Cercis chinensis, Rhododendron decorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida,Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada, Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercusvariabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastoma normale, Lycium chinensis,Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana, Plumbago auriculata,Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii, Carissa spinarum,Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrens var. dealbata,Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara, Euonymusbungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi, Stellariasaxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvillea glabra,Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata, Ajugaforrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicera japonica,Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis, Ephedrasinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and/or Deutziaglomeruliflora. In a particular embodiment, the extract use dis Ephedrasinica extract (e.g., such an extract as prepared in accordance withFIG. 1 of the present invention). The composition can include any oneof, any combination of, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63,64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81,82, 83, 84, or 85 of said plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof.The plant part can be the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be from the whole plant or part of theplant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem,root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueousextract or a non-aqueous extract. The extract can be extracted withalcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc.

In yet another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed amethod of treating or preventing a wide variety of diseases comprisingadministering to a patient in need of treatment any one of thecompositions of the present invention. As noted throughout, thecomposition can include a plant, plant part, or extract thereof fromOenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Pyruspyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picris hieracioides ssp. Japonica, Phoebeneurantha, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthus fragrans, Micheliachapensis, Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamia capitata, Ficusmicrocarpa, Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens, Hypericum forrestii,Ficus pumila, Cercis chinensis, Rhododendron decorum, Ficus retusassp.nitida, Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada, Elaeocarpus decipiens,Quercus variabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastoma normale, Lyciumchinensis, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana, Plumbagoauriculata, Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii, Carissaspinarum, Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrens var.dealbata, Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara,Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi,Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvilleaglabra, Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata,Ajuga forrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicerajaponica, Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis,Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and/or Deutziaglomeruliflora. The composition can include any one of, any combinationof, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 ofsaid plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof. The plant part can bethe whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf,flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). Theextract can be from the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueous extract or a non-aqueousextract. The extract can be extracted with alcohol (e.g., methanol,ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols, oils, water, etc. Thecomposition can be formulated as a topical composition, an ingestiblecomposition, an injectible composition, an aerosolized composition, etc.Non-limiting examples of diseases that can be treated or prevented withsuch compositions include AIDS, autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoidarthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes-insulin-dependent andnon-independent, systemic lupus erythematosus and Graves disease),cancer (e.g., malignant, benign, metastatic, precancer), cardiovasculardiseases (e.g., heart disease or coronary artery disease,stroke-ischemic and hemorrhagic, and rheumatic heart disease), diseasesof the nervous system, and infection by pathogenic microorganisms (e.g.,Athlete's Foot, Chickenpox, Common cold, Diarrheal diseases, Flu,Genital herpes, Malaria, Meningitis, Pneumonia, Sinusitis, Skindiseases, Strep throat, Tuberculosis, Urinary tract infections, Vaginalinfections, Viral hepatitis), inflammation (e.g., allergy, asthma),prion diseases (e.g., CJD, kuru, GSS, FFI), obesity, etc.

Also disclosed is a method thickening hair or treating or preventinghair loss on the scalp (e.g., male-pattern baldness, female-patternbaldness, cicatricial alopecia, alopecia greata telogen effluvium,traction alopecia, anagen effluvium), eyebrows, or eyelashes comprisingadministering to a patient in need of any such treatment any one of thecompositions of the present invention. As noted throughout, thecomposition can include a plant, plant part, or extract thereof fromOenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Pyruspyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picris hieracioides ssp. Japonica, Phoebeneurantha, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthus fragrans, Micheliachapensis, Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamia capitata, Ficusmicrocarpa, Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens, Hypericum forrestii,Ficus pumila, Cercis chinensis, Rhododendron decorum, Ficus retusassp.nitida, Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada, Elaeocarpus decipiens,Quercus variabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastoma normale, Lyciumchinensis, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana, Plumbagoauriculata, Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii, Carissaspinarum, Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrens var.dealbata, Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara,Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi,Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvilleaglabra, Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata,Ajuga forrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicerajaponica, Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis,Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and/or Deutziaglomeruliflora. The composition can include any one of, any combinationof, all of, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 ofsaid plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof. The plant part can bethe whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root, bark, sap, stem, leaf,flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). Theextract can be from the whole plant or part of the plant (e.g., root,bark, sap, stem, leaf, flower, seed, leaf, stem, root, flower, seed,sap, bark, etc.). The extract can be an aqueous extract or a non-aqueousextract. The extract can be extracted with alcohol (e.g., methanol,ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols, oils, water, etc. Thecomposition can be formulated as a topical composition, an ingestiblecomposition, an injectible composition, an aerosolized composition, afoam based composition etc. An assay that can be used to test acomposition's ability to thicken hair or treat or prevent hair loss isto apply test composition to a targeted area and measure new hair growthor rate of hair loss when compared with a controled area that is notreceiving the test composition. The method can also include combiningany one of the compositions of the present invention with known hairloss or hair thickening treatnments (e.g., 5-α reductase inhibitors(e.g., finasteride, dutasteride, saw palmetto extract etc.),vasodilators (e.g., minoxidil), ketoconazole, hair transplantationprocedures, hair multiplication procedures, laser therapy, caffeine,etc.).

In one particular non-limiting embodiment, the extract or extracts usedin any one of the treatment methods described above and throughout thisspecification and claims is prepared in accordance with the proceduresdescribed in FIG. 1. The contents of FIG. 1 are incorporated byreference.

Multipurpose compositions are also contemplated. For instance,compositions that can have antioxidant properties, inhibit or reducemelanin production, inhibit or reduce tyrosinase activity, inhibit orreduce TNF-α activity, or increase or stimulate collagen production, orany 2, 3, 4, or all of such properties is contemplated. Suchcompositions can be prepared in view of the information provided in theDetailed Description and Examples sections of this specification, whichexplains the abilities of the extracts.

The compositions of the present invention can also take the form oftopically spreadable compositions, sprayable compositions, aerosolizedcompositions, injectible compositions, edible compositions, compositiosnin tablet, gel cap, or pill form. The extract used within thecompositions and methods of the present invention can be aqueousextracts, alcoholic extracts, glycolic extracts, oil extracts, or anycombination thereof. The compositions can be in powedered form, liquidform, or aerosolized form. The extracts can prepared in accordance withthe process described in FIG. 1.

It is also contemplated that the compositions disclosed throughout thisspecification can be used with leave-on or rinse-off products. By way ofexample, a leave-on product can be one that is topically applied to skinand remains on the skin for a period of time (e.g., at least 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 20, or 30 minutes, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24 hours, or overnight or throughout the day). Alternatively, a rinse-off product can bea product that is intended to be applied to the skin and then removed orrinsed from the skin (e.g., with water) within a period of time such asless than 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 minute. An example of a rinse of product canbe a skin cleanser, shampoo, conditioner, or soap. An example of aleave-on product can be a skin moisturizer, sunscreen, mask, overnightcream, or a day cream.

Kits that include the compositions of the present invention are alsocontemplated. In certain embodiments, the composition is comprised in acontainer. The container can be a bottle, dispenser, or package. Thecontainer can dispense a pre-determined amount of the composition. Incertain aspects, the compositions is dispensed in a spray, dollop, orliquid. The container can include indicia on its surface. The indiciacan be a word, an abbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

Also contemplated is a product comprising a composition of the presentinvention. In non-limiting aspects, the product can be a cosmeticproduct. The cosmetic product can be those described in other sectionsof this specification or those known to a person of skill in the art.Non-limiting examples of products include a moisturizer, a cream, alotion, a skin softener, a foundation, a night cream, a lipstick, acleanser, a toner, a sunscreen, a mask, an anti-aging product, adeodorant, an antiperspirant, a perfume, a cologne, etc.

It is also contemplated that compositions of the present invention canbe included into food-based products (e.g., beverages, fortified water,energy drinks, nutritional drinks, solid foods, vitamins, supplements,etc.) and pharmaceutical products (e.g., pills, tablets, gel capsules,injectible solutions, drugs, etc.). “Supplements” can include vitamins,minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes andmetabolites. Such supplements are suitable for oral consumption and canbe administered orally.

Further, the contents of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/869,352, filedAug. 26, 2010, International Application No. PCT/US10/46791, filed Aug.26, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/237,087, filed Aug.26, 2009, are incorporated by reference into the present application.The contents of these referenced applications can be used in combinationwith the contents in the present specification.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specificationcan be implemented with respect to any method or composition of theinvention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the inventioncan be used to achieve methods of the invention.

In one embodiment, the topical skin compositions of the currentinvention are pharmaceutically elegant. “Pharmaceutically elegant”describes a composition that has particular tactile properties whichfeel pleasant on the skin (e.g., compositions that are not too watery orgreasy, compositions that have a silky texture, compositions that arenon-tacky or sticky, etc.). Pharmaceutically elegant can also relate tothe creaminess or lubricity properties of the composition or to themoisture retaining properties of the composition.

“Keratinous tissue” includes keratin-containing layers disposed as theoutermost protective covering of mammals and includes, but is notlimited to, skin, hair and nails.

“Topical application” means to apply or spread a composition onto thesurface of keratinous tissue. “Topical skin composition” includescompositions suitable for topical application on keratinous tissue. Suchcompositions are typically dermatologically-acceptable in that they donot have undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergicresponse, and the like, when applied to skin. Topical skin carecompositions of the present invention can have a selected viscosity toavoid significant dripping or pooling after application to skin.

The term “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limitingembodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%,more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

The terms “inhibiting” or “reducing” or any variation of these terms,when used in the claims and/or the specification includes any measurabledecrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/orclaims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intendedresult.

The words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise”and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and“has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and“include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as“contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and the examples,while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by wayof illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and areincluded to further demonstrate certain aspects of the presentinvention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one ormore of these drawings in combination with the detailed description ofspecific embodiments presented below.

FIG. 1. Extraction process used to obtain extracts from each of thefollowing plants (note that although the whole plant was used in theextract process for each of the Extracts to obtain the data in theExamples, plant parts are also contemplated and can be used by theprocess described in FIG. 1—e.g., stem, bark, root, flower, seed, fruit,leaf, sap etc.): Oenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian, Alternantheraphiloxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picris hieracioidesssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthusfragrans, Michelia chapensis, Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamiacapitata, Ficus microcarpa, Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens,Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila, Cercis chinensis, Rhododendrondecorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida, Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada,Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercus variabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastomanormale, Lycium chinensis, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana,Plumbago auriculata, Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii,Carissa spinarum, Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrensvar. dealbata, Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara,Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi,Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvilleaglabra, Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata,Ajuga forrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicerajaponica, Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis,Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and Deutzia glomeruliflora.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In today's image conscious society, people are continually looking for aproduct that can improve the visual appearance of their skin. Oftentimes, aged skin, uneven skin tone, or skin damaged by environmentalfactors such as UV light, chronic sun exposure, environmentalpollutants, chemicals, disease pathologies, or smoking, is associatedwith unattractive skin. Previous attempts to improve the visualappearance of skin has been shown to have various drawbacks such as skinirritation and prolonged recovery periods.

The present invention is an effective alternative to the use ofcompositions and ingredients currently used to treat aged skin,environmentally-damaged skin, uneven skin tone, and other skinconditions. In one non-limiting embodiment, the compositions of thepresent invention can be used to treat irritation of the skin and toimprove the skin's visual appearance, physiological functions, clinicalproperties, or biophysical properties by providing a composition of thepresent invention to an area of the skin that needs such treatment. Asnoted throughout this specification, the compositions can include aplant, plant part, or extract thereof from Oenothera rosea, Salviaplebeian, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Daturastramonium, Picris hieracioides ssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha,Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthus fragrans, Michelia chapensis,Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamia capitata, Ficus microcarpa,Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens, Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila,Cercis chinensis, Rhododendron decorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida,Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada, Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercusvariabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastoma normale, Lycium chinensis,Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana, Plumbago auriculata,Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii, Carissa spinarum,Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrens var. dealbata,Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara, Euonymusbungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi, Stellariasaxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvillea glabra,Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata, Ajugaforrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicera japonica,Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis, Ephedrasinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and/or Deutziaglomeruliflora. In particular aspects, the compositions of the presentinvention can include any one of, any combination of, all of, or atleast 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37,38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55,56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73,74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85 of said plants, plantparts, and/or extracts thereof.

These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention aredescribed in further detail below.

A. Plants and Extracts Thereof

The plants and extracts thereof of can be obtained by standardcultivation and extraction techniques known to those having ordinaryskill in the art. Non-limiting examples of such techniques are providedbelow, in the Examples, and in FIG. 1. In addition, these extracts canbe obtained through third parties such as Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan, CHINA (“KIB”) (e.g., the plantmaterial used in the Examples was obtained from KIB.

For instance, a person of ordinary skill in the art would be able toisolate any one of the extracts identified below from parts of thecorresponding plant by using any suitable method known in the art. Inone non-limiting example, the plant (or any part of the plant such asthe leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds,seed pods, sap, whole plant, etc.) can be disrupted by mechanical meanswhich results in a puree. The puree is then processed to besubstantially free of impurities or undesired solids. The puree can thenbe poured into a shallow vessel and quickly exposed to low temperature,i.e., flash frozen, for example at −20° C. or lower, preferably under avacuum for removal of water content (lyophilization). The resultantextract can then be used in the compositions of the present invention.

In other aspects, aqueous, alcoholic, or oil based extractiontechniques, or combinations thereof, can be used on the whole plant orany part thereof of (e.g., leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, seed pods, sap, whole plant, etc.) to produce anextract. In such a process, the desired part of the plant or the wholeplant is crushed up (e.g., blender) and then subjected to a desiredsolvent (e.g., water, alcohol, water/alcohol, or oil based solvents) toobtain the desired extract. The extract can then be stored in liquidform, lyophilized, or subject to further processing techniques (e.g.,heating, cooling, etc.). Extraction processes are well-known to thosehaving ordinary skill in the extract field (e.g., maceration, infusion,percolation, digestion, decoction, hot continuous extraction,aqueous-alcoholic extract, counter current extract, microwave assistedextraction, ultrasound extraction, supercritical fluid extracts,phytonic extract (e.g., with hydro-fluoro-carbon solvents), etc.

General information about the plants are provided below.

1. Oenothera rosea

Oenothera rosea, also known as pink evening primrose or rose of mexico,is a perennial flowering plant that can reach 40 centimeters in height.It has green leaves and a long stems that lead to a flower. It iscapable of producing flowers and seeds. This plant is native to Mexicoand Texas, USA.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Oenothera rosea haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity. All ofthe different portions of Oenothera rosea can be used to obtain thecorresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

2. Salvia plebeian

Salvia plebeian, can be obtained from gum tree branches that are nativeto India.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Salvia plebeian haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity.

3. Alternanthera philoxeroides

Alternanthera philoxeroides typically grows around, in or under waterand is therefore known as an emrsed plant. Its stems are pinkish and canbecome hollow when larger, to 1 m (3.3 ft) long. Its leaves are narrowlyelliptic or spatulate, to 9 cm (3.5 in) long. It can product flowersthat are bisexual in round white heads on long stalks from upper leafaxils; each flower with 4-5 thin, papery bracts, 5 stamens, 1 pistil. Italso products fruit. This plant can be found throughout the world (e.g.,China, India, and U.S.).

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Alternantheraphiloxeroides have several biological activities, which can bebeneficial to skin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biologicalactivities include the ability to inhibit both TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. All of the different portions of Alternanthera philoxeroidescan be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

4. Pyrus pyrifolia

Pyrus pyrifolia is a pear tree species that is native to China, Japan,and Korea. It has green leaves, white flowers, and can produce fruit andseeds.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Pyrus pyrifolia haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of one of these activities is its ability to actas an antioxidant. All of the different portions of Pyrus pyrifolia canbe used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

5. Picris hieracioides ssp. Japonica

Picris hieracioides ssp. Japonica, also known as kozorina, is a smallplant that has green leaves and can reach 1-3 feet in height. It iscapable of producing flowers, fruit, and seeds. This plant is native toRussia, Kazakhstan, Mogolia, China, and Japan.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Picris hieracioides ssp.Japonica have several biological activities, which can be beneficial toskin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activitiesinclude antioxidant properties, the ability to stimulate collegensynthesis, and the ability to inhibit both TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. All of the different portions of Picris hieracioides ssp.Japonica can be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

6. Phoebe neurantha

Phoebe neurantha is a large shrub that has gray/black bark and iscapable of produceing leaves and flowers. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Phoebe neurantha haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit both TNF-α andtyrosinase activity. All of the different portions of Phoebe neuranthacan be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

7. Acanthopanax gracilistylus

Acanthopanax gracilistylus is a deciduous shrub with upright to slightlyarching stems, small, fresh green, trilobed to palmately divided leavesand several axillary as well as terminal round clusters of decorative,bluish black berries in late summer and autumn. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Acanthopanaxgracilistylus have several biological activities, which can bebeneficial to skin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biologicalactivities include antioxidant properties. All of the different portionsof Acanthopanax gracilistylus can be used to obtain the correspondingextract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

8. Acanthopanax gracilistylus

Acanthopanax gracilistylus is a deciduous shrub with upright to slightlyarching stems, small, fresh green, trilobed to palmately divided leavesand several axillary as well as terminal round clusters of decorative,bluish black berries in late summer and autumn. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Acanthopanaxgracilistylus have several biological activities, which can bebeneficial to skin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biologicalactivities include antioxidant properties. All of the different portionsof Acanthopanax gracilistylus can be used to obtain the correspondingextract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

9. Osmanthus fragrans

Osmanthus fragrans is an evergreen shrub that has leaves and can productflowers and seeds. It is native to Asia (e.g., China, Taiwan, andJapan).

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Osmanthus fragrans haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties, the ability to increase collagenstimulation/production in skin, and the ability to inhibit TNF-α andtyrosinase activity. All of the different portions of Osmanthus fragranscan be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

10. Michelia chapensis

Michelia chapensis is a large tree that has leaves and can product whiteflowers. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Michelia chapensis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. All of the different portions of Michelia chapensis can beused to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examples includeits leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds,sap, and the entire plant.

11. Rhododendron spinuliferum

Rhododendron spinuliferum is a shrub that has brownish red branches thathas leaves and can produce flowers. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Rhododendron spinuliferumhave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. All of the different portions of Rhododendron spinuliferum canbe used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

12. Dendrobenthamia capitata

Dendrobenthamia capitata is a species of a dogwood tree. It producesgreen leaves, flowers, and seepds. It is native to China, India,Australia, and New Zealand.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Dendrobenthamia capitatahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. All of the different portions of Dendrobenthamia capitata canbe used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

13. Ficus microcarpa

Ficus microcarpa is a banyan that has green leaves and is capable ofproduces flowers, seeds, and fruit. It is native to Sri Lanka, India,China, and Australia.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Ficus microcarpa haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. All of the different portions of Ficus microcarpa can be usedto obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

14. Vitex negundo

Vitex negundo is a chaste tree that has green leaves and is capable ofproducing flowers. It is native to Mediterranean countries and CentralAsia.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Vitex negundo haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

15. Sequoia sempervirens

Sequoia sempervirens is a large tree that produces green leaves and canproduct flowers. It is native to the U.S.A. (e.g., Hawaii).

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Sequoia sempervirens haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

16. Hypericum forrestii

Hypericum forrestii is a large tree that produces green leaves and canproduct flowers. It is native to the U.S.A. (e.g., Hawaii).

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Hypericum forrestii haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

17. Ficus pumila

Ficus pumila is a woody vine that can produce figs. It is native to EastAsia.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Ficus pumila have severalbiological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. Non-limitingexamples of some of these biological activities include antioxidantproperties and the ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

18. Cercis chinensis

Cercis chinensis is a desiduous tree that has green leaves and iscapable of producing reddish flowers and seeds. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Cercis chinensis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

19. Rhododendron decorum

Rhododendron decorum is a shrub that can produce green leaves, flowers,and seeds. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Rhododendron decorum haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

20. Ficus retusa ssp. nitida

Ficus retusa ssp. nitida is an evergreen tree that is native to Malaysiaand Borneo.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Ficus retusa ssp. nitidahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

21. Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada

Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada is a plant that has green leaves andis capable of producing flowers, fruits, and seeds. It is native toChina.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Berchemia polyphylla var.leioclada have several biological activities, which can be beneficial toskin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activitiesinclude antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

22. Elaeocarpus decipiens

Elaeocarpus decipiens is a tree that has green leaves and is capable ofproducing flowers, blue berries, and seeds. It is native to China andJapan.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Elaeocarpus decipienshave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

23. Quercus variabilis

Quercus variabilis is a species of oak and is native to China, Japan,and Korea.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Quercus variabilis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

24. Prunus serrulata

Prunus serrulata is a species of cherry that is capable of producingflowers and cherries. It is native to China, Japan, and Korea.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Prunus serrulata haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

25. Melastoma normale

Melastoma normale is a plant that has green leaves and is native toChina.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Melastoma normale haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

26. Lycium chinensis

Lycium chinensis is a species of the boxthorn family and is a plant thathas green leaves and red fruit. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Lycium chinensis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties, the ability to increase/promote collagenproduction, and the ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

27. Chamaecyparis pisifera

Chamaecyparis pisifera is an evergreen shrub that can produce flowersand fruits.

It is native to China and Japan

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Chamaecyparis pisiferahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

28. Millettia dielsiana

Millettia dielsiana is a deciduous shrub that can produce flowers. It isnative to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Millettia dielsiana haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties, the ability to increase/promote collagenproduction, and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinase activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

29. Plumbago auriculata

Plumbago auriculata is a plant that has green leaves and is capable ofproducing flowers and fruit. It is native to South Africa.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Plumbago auriculata haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

30. Nandina domestica

Nandina domestica is a suckering shrub that is native to China andJapan.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Nandina domestica haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

31. Smilax Bockii

Smilax Bockii is a plant that has green leaves and is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Smilax Bockii haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to increase/promote collagen production, antioxidant properties,and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples includeits leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds,sap, and the entire plant.

32. Schima wallichii

Schima wallichii is an evergreen tree that can produce flowers. It isnative to China and Nepal.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Schima wallichii haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

33. Carissa spinarum

Carissa spinarum is a large shrub that produces green leaves and isnative to tropical regions around the Indian Ocean (e.g., Australia).

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Carissa spinarum haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

34. Wisteria floribunda

Wisteria floribunda is a woody vine that is native to Japan.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Wisteria floribunda haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to increase or promote collagen production. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

35. Schima argentea

Schima argentea is a tree that has green leaves and is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Schima argentea haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

36. Acacia decurrens var. dealbata

Acacia decurrens var. dealbata is a shrub that produces green leaves andyellow flowers. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Acacia decurrens var.dealbata have several biological activities, which can be beneficial toskin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activitiesinclude antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α andtyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

37. Viburnum ichangense

Viburnum ichangense is a plant that can product fragrant white flowerclusters. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Viburnum ichangense haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties, the ability to increase or promote collagenproduction, and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinase activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

38. Conyza sumatrensis

Conyza sumatrensis is a small plant that can product green leaves andwhite flowers. It is native to North America and sub-tropical SouthAmerica.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Conyza sumatrensis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to increase or promote collagen production and the ability toinhibit TNF-α and tyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

39. Lantana camara

Lantana camara is a small flowering plant that can produce purple andyellow flowers. It is native to the American topics (e.g., Mexico andCentral America).

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Lantana camara haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

40. Euonymus bungeanus

Euonymus bungeanus is a large deciduous shrub that is capable ofproducing red berries. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Euonymus bungeanus haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

41. Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum

Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum is a small plant that has green leavesand is capable of producing red/purplish flowers. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Loropetalum chinensisvar. rubrum have several biological activities, which can be beneficialto skin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activitiesinclude antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α andtyrosinase activity as well as increase or stimulate production ofcollagen I. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark,roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

42. Jasminum mesnyi

Jasminum mesnyi is a tall, slender evergreen shrub that can produceyellow flowers. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Jasminum mesnyi haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

43. Stellaria saxatilis

Stellaria saxatilis is a small plant that has green leaves and iscapable of producing flowers. It is native to Asia.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Stellaria saxatilis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

44. Elscholtzia cypriani

Elscholtzia cypriani is a plant that has green leaves and is native toAsia.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Elscholtzia cypriani haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

45. Daucus carota

Daucus carota is a flowering plant that can produce white flowers. It isnative to Europe, Southwest Asia, North America, and Australia.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Daucus carota haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

46. Bougainvillea glabra

Bougainvillea glabra is a flowering plant that can produce a wide rangeof colorful flowers. It is native to Brazil.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Bougainvillea glabra haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to increase or promote collagen production and the ability toinhibit TNF-α and tyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

47. Serissa serissoides

Serissa serissoides is small tree (Bonsai) that can product whiteflowers. It is native to Japan.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Serissa serissoides haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to increase or promote collagen production and the ability toinhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

48. Antidesma acidum

Antidesma acidum is shrub that can product flowers. It is native toChina.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Antidesma acidum haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant capabilities and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

49. Sargentodoxa cuneata

Sargentodoxa cuneata is tree that can product flowers. It is native toChina.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Sargentodoxa cuneata haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant capabilities and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

50. Ajuga forrestii

Ajuga forrestii is a perennial herb that can product flowers. It isnative to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Ajuga forrestii haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties as well as the ability to inhibit TNF-α activityand stimulate or increase collagen I production. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

51. Terminalia chebula

Terminalia chebula is a large deciduous tree that can product flowersand fruit. It is native to China, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, andVietnam.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Terminalia chebula haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeanticoxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

52. Paederia scandens

Paederia scandens is a flowering vine that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Paederia scandens haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

53. Lonicera japonica

Lonicera japonica is a honeysuckle plant that can produce white andyellow honeysuckles. It is native to Japan.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Lonicera japonica haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

54. Achyranthes bidentata

Achyranthes bidentata is a flowering plant that is native to India,Nepal, China, and Japan.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Achyranthes bidentatahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to increase or promote collagen synthesis and the ability toinhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems,bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entireplant.

55. Hedera nepalensis

Hedera nepalensis is a perennial ivy that is native to Nepal, Bhutan,Afghanistan, India, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Hedera nepalensis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

56. Canna chinensis

Canna chinensis is a flowering plant that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Canna chinensis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

57. Ephedra sinica

Ephedra sinica is a gymnosperm shrub that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Ephedra sinica haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

58. Dichlrocephala auriculata

Dichlrocephala auriculata is a flowering plant that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Dichlrocephala auriculatahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

59. Prunus mume var. viridicalyx

Prunus mume var. viridicalyx is a tree that is capable of producingwhite, red, or pinkish flowers. It is native to Japan.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Prunus mume var.viridicalyx have several biological activities, which can be beneficialto skin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activitiesinclude antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-αactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

60. Castanea mollissima

Castanea mollissima is a chestnut tree that is capable of producingfloweres and fruits. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Castanea mollissima haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

61. Elaeagnus bockii

Elaeagnus bockii is a chestnut tree that is capable of producingfloweres and fruits. It is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Elaeagnus bockii haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

62. Parkia biglobosa

Parkia biglobosa is a large tree with green leaves that is native toWestern Africa.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Parkia biglobosa haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

63. Cinnamomum parthenoxylon

Cinnamomum parthenoxylon is a large tree with green leaves that isnative to Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Cinnamomum parthenoxylonhave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

64. Cinnamomum parthenoxylon

Cinnamomum parthenoxylon is a large tree with green leaves that isnative to Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Cinnamomum parthenoxylonhave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

65. Euphorbia esula

Euphorbia esula is a herbaceous perennial plant that is capable ofproducing yellow flowers. It is native to southern Europe (e.g.,England, Netherlands, Germany), China, and Korea.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Euphorbia esula haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

66. Sauropus androgynus

Sauropus androgynus is a shrub that has green leaves. It is native toChina.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Sauropus androgynus haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit melanin production,TNF-α and tyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves,stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and theentire plant.

67. Chamaecrista mimosoides

Chamaecrista mimosoides is a plant that is capable of producing yellowflowers. It is native to Asia, Africa, and South Africa.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Chamaecrista mimosoideshave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

68. Crotolaria zanzibarica

Crotolaria zanzibarica is a shrub that can produce yellow flowers. It isnative to eastern Africa.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Crotolaria zanzibaricahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

69. Castanopsis eyrei

Castanopsis eyrei is a shrub that can produce yellow flowers. It isnative to eastern Africa.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Castanopsis eyrei haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

70. Girardinia palmate

Girardinia palmate is a perennial shrub that can produce flowers. It isnative to Pakistan.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Girardinia palmate haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

71. Phoenix roebelenii

Phoenix roebelenii is a palm tree that is native to southeast Asia(e.g., Laos).

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Phoenix roebelenii shaveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit melanin production,TNF-α and tyrosinase activity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves,stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and theentire plant.

72. Vinca major

Vinca major is a flowering plant native to southern Europe, Spain, andTurkey.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Vinca major have severalbiological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. Non-limitingexamples of some of these biological activities include antioxidantproperties and the ability to inhibit melanin production. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

73. Swertia macrosperma

Swertia macrosperma is a flowering plant native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Swertia macrosperma haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit melanin production andTNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark,roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

74. Onosma paniculatum

Onosma paniculatum is a biennial herb that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Onosma paniculatum haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit melanin production and TNF-α activity. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

75. Polygonum multiflorum

Polygonum multiflorum is a flowering herb that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Polygonum multiflorumhave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

76. Gerbera jamesonii

Gerbera jamesonii is a flowering herb that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Gerbera jamesonii haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit melanin production.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

77. Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus membranaceus is a flowering herb that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Astragalus membranaceushave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

78. Duranta repens

Duranta repens is a flowering shrub that is native to Central and SouthAmerica and the Caribbean.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Duranta repens haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

79. Callicarpa macrophylla

Callicarpa macrophylla is a flowering plant that produces small whiteberries. It is native to India.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Callicarpa macrophyllahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

80. Livistona chinensis

Livistona chinensis is a palm tree that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Livistona chinensis haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit melanin production andTNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark,roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

81. Incarvillea arguta

Incarvillea arguta is a flowering plant that produces pinkish flowers.It is native to China and Nepal.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Incarvillea arguta haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

82. Lepidium virginicum

Lepidium virginicum is a flowering plant that produces white flowers. Itis native to North America and Central America.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Lepidium virginicum haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities include theability to inhibit TNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include itsleaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap,and the entire plant.

83. Fagopyrum cymosum

Fagopyrum cymosum is a flowering plant that produces white flowers. Itis native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Fagopyrum cymosum haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit melanin production andTNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark,roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

84. Quercus rehderiana

Quercus rehderiana is an evergreen tree that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Quercus rehderiana haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α and tyrosinaseactivity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

85. Cunninghamia lanceolata

Cunninghamia lanceolata is an evergreen tree that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Cunninghamia lanceolatahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit TNF-α activity.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit,flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

86. Deutzia glomeruliflora

Deutzia glomeruliflora is a flowering shrub that is native to China.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Deutzia glomeruliflorahave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeantioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit melanin production andTNF-α activity. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark,roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

B. Compositions of the Present Invention

1. Combinations and Amounts of Ingredients

It is contemplated that the compositions of the present invention caninclude any one of Oenothera rosea, Salvia plebeian, Alternantheraphiloxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Datura stramonium, Picris hieracioidesssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha, Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthusfragrans, Michelia chapensis, Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamiacapitata, Ficus microcarpa, Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens,Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila, Cercis chinensis, Rhododendrondecorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida, Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada,Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercus variabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastomanormale, Lycium chinensis, Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana,Plumbago auriculata, Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii,Carissa spinarum, Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrensvar. dealbata, Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara,Euonymus bungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi,Stellaria saxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvilleaglabra, Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata,Ajuga forrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicerajaponica, Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis,Ephedra sinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and/or Deutziaglomeruliflora or any combination thereof, or all of such plants, plantparts, or extracts thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82,83, 84, and/or 85 of such plants, plant parts, or extracts thereof. Thecompositions can also include additional ingredients describedthroughout this specification. The concentrations of the plant extractsand/or additional ingredients can vary. In non-limiting embodiments, forexample, the compositions can include in their final form, for example,at least about 0.0001%, 0.0002%, 0.0003%, 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%,0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.0010%, 0.0011%, 0.0012%, 0.0013%, 0.0014%,0.0015%, 0.0016%, 0.0017%, 0.0018%, 0.0019%, 0.0020%, 0.0021%, 0.0022%,0.0023%, 0.0024%, 0.0025%, 0.0026%, 0.0027%, 0.0028%, 0.0029%, 0.0030%,0.0031%, 0.0032%, 0.0033%, 0.0034%, 0.0035%, 0.0036%, 0.0037%, 0.0038%,0.0039%, 0.0040%, 0.0041%, 0.0042%, 0.0043%, 0.0044%, 0.0045%, 0.0046%,0.0047%, 0.0048%, 0.0049%, 0.0050%, 0.0051%, 0.0052%, 0.0053%, 0.0054%,0.0055%, 0.0056%, 0.0057%, 0.0058%, 0.0059%, 0.0060%, 0.0061%, 0.0062%,0.0063%, 0.0064%, 0.0065%, 0.0066%, 0.0067%, 0.0068%, 0.0069%, 0.0070%,0.0071%, 0.0072%, 0.0073%, 0.0074%, 0.0075%, 0.0076%, 0.0077%, 0.0078%,0.0079%, 0.0080%, 0.0081%, 0.0082%, 0.0083%, 0.0084%, 0.0085%, 0.0086%,0.0087%, 0.0088%, 0.0089%, 0.0090%, 0.0091%, 0.0092%, 0.0093%, 0.0094%,0.0095%, 0.0096%, 0.0097%, 0.0098%, 0.0099%, 0.0100%, 0.0200%, 0.0225%,0.0250%, 0.0275%, 0.0300%, 0.0325%, 0.0350%, 0.0375%, 0.0400%, 0.0425%,0.0450%, 0.0475%, 0.0500%, 0.0525%, 0.0550%, 0.0575%, 0.0600%, 0.0625%,0.0650%, 0.0675%, 0.0700%, 0.0725%, 0.0750%, 0.0775%, 0.0800%, 0.0825%,0.0850%, 0.0875%, 0.0900%, 0.0925%, 0.0950%, 0.0975%, 0.1000%, 0.1250%,0.1500%, 0.1750%, 0.2000%, 0.2250%, 0.2500%, 0.2750%, 0.3000%, 0.3250%,0.3500%, 0.3750%, 0.4000%, 0.4250%, 0.4500%, 0.4750%, 0.5000%, 0.5250%,0.5500%, 0.5750%, 0.6000%, 0.6250%, 0.6500%, 0.6750%, 0.7000%, 0.7250%,0.7500%, 0.7750%, 0.8000%, 0.8250%, 0.8500%, 0.8750%, 0.9000%, 0.9250%,0.9500%, 0.9750%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%,1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%,3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%,4.3%, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%, 5.0%, 5.1%, 5.2%, 5.3%, 5.4%,5.5%, 5.6%, 5.7%, 5.8%, 5.9%, 6.0%, 6.1%, 6.2%, 6.3%, 6.4%, 6.5%, 6.6%,6.7%, 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%, 7.3%, 7.4%, 7.5%, 7.6%, 7.7%, 7.8%,7.9%, 8.0%, 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 8.4%, 8.5%, 8.6%, 8.7%, 8.8%, 8.9%, 9.0%,9.1%, 9.2%, 9.3%, 9.4%, 9.5%, 9.6%, 9.7%, 9.8%, 9.9%, 10%, 11%, 12%,13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%,27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, or 99% or more, or any range or integer derivable therein, ofat least one of the plant extracts identified in this specification orany combination thereof or additional ingredients. In non-limitingaspects, the percentage of such ingredients can be calculated by weightor volume of the total weight of the compositions. The concentrationscan vary depending on the desired effect of the compositions or on theproduct into which the compositions are incorporated.

2. Composition Vehicles

The compositions of the present invention can be formulated into alltypes of vehicles. Non-limiting examples of suitable vehicles includeemulsions (e.g., oil-in-water, water-in-oil, silicone-in-water,water-in-silicone, water-in-oil-in-water, oil-in-water,oil-in-water-in-oil, oil-in-water-in-silicone, etc.), creams, lotions,solutions (both aqueous and hydro-alcoholic), anhydrous bases (such aslipsticks and powders), gels, ointments, pastes, milks, liquids,aerosols, solid forms, or eye jellies. Variations and other appropriatevehicles will be apparent to the skilled artisan and are appropriate foruse in the present invention. In certain aspects, the concentrations andcombinations of the ingredients can be selected in such a way that thecombinations are chemically compatible and do not form complexes whichprecipitate from the finished product.

It is also contemplated that the plant extracts and additionalingredients identified throughout this specification can be encapsulatedfor delivery to a target area such as skin. Non-limiting examples ofencapsulation techniques include the use of liposomes, vesicles, and/ornanoparticles (e.g., biodegradable and non-biodegradable colloidalparticles comprising polymeric materials in which the ingredient istrapped, encapsulated, and/or absorbed—examples include nanospheres andnanocapsules) that can be used as delivery vehicles to deliver suchingredients to skin (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,398; U.S. Pat. No.6,203,802; U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,744; Kreuter 1988).

Also contemplated are pharmaceutically-acceptable orpharmacologically-acceptable compositions. The phrase“pharmaceutically-acceptable” or “pharmacologically-acceptable” includescompositions that do not produce an allergic or similar untowardreaction when administered to a human. Typically, such compositions areprepared either as topical compositions, liquid solutions orsuspensions, solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in,liquid prior to use can also be prepared. Routes of administration canvary with the location and nature of the condition to be treated, andinclude, e.g., topical, inhalation, intradermal, transdermal,parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal, subcutaneous,percutaneous, intratracheal, intraperitoneal, intratumoral, perfusion,lavage, direct injection (e.g., an injectable solution), and oraladministration and formulation (e.g., tablets, capsules, etc.).

3. Products

The compositions of the present invention can be incorporated intoproducts. Non-limiting examples of products include cosmetic products,food-based products (e.g., fortified water, energy drinks, nutritionaldrinks, vitamins, supplements, solid foods), pharmaceutical products,etc. By way of example only, non-limiting cosmetic products includesunscreen products, sunless skin tanning products, hair products (e.g.,shampoos, conditioners, colorants, dyes, bleaches, straighteners, andpermanent wave products), fingernail products, moisturizing creams, skincreams and lotions, softeners, day lotions, gels, ointments,foundations, night creams, lipsticks and lip balms, cleansers, toners,masks, deodorants, antiperspirants, exfoliating compositions,shaving-related products (e.g., creams, “bracers” and aftershaves),pre-moistened wipes and washcloths, tanning lotions, bath products suchas oils, foot care products such as powders and sprays, skin colorantand make-up products such as foundations, blushes, rouges eye shadowsand lines, lip colors and mascaras, baby products (e.g., baby lotions,oils, shampoos, powders and wet wipes), and skin or facial peelproducts. Additionally, the cosmetic products can be formulated asleave-on or rinse-off products.

4. Additional Ingredients

Compositions of the present invention can include additionalingredients. Non-limiting examples of additional ingredients includecosmetic ingredients (both active and non-active) and pharmaceuticalingredients (both active and non-active).

a. Cosmetic Ingredients

The CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook(2008), 12^(th) Edition, describes a wide variety of non-limitingcosmetic ingredients that can be used in the context of the presentinvention. Examples of these ingredient classes include: fragrances(artificial and natural), dyes and color ingredients (e.g., Blue 1, Blue1 Lake, Red 40, titanium dioxide, D&C blue no. 4, D&C green no. 5, D&Corange no. 4, D&C red no. 17, D&C red no. 33, D&C violet no. 2, D&Cyellow no. 10, and D&C yellow no. 11), adsorbents, emulsifiers,stabilizers, lubricants, solvents, moisturizers (including, e.g.,emollients, humectants, film formers, occlusive agents, and agents thataffect the natural moisturization mechanisms of the skin),water-repellants, UV absorbers (physical and chemical absorbers such asparaminobenzoic acid (“PABA”) and corresponding PABA derivatives,titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc.), essential oils, vitamins (e.g., A,B, C, D, E, and K), trace metals (e.g., zinc, calcium and selenium),anti-irritants (e.g., steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories),botanical extracts (e.g., aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber extract, ginkgobiloba, ginseng, and rosemary), anti-microbial agents, antioxidants(e.g., BHT and tocopherol), chelating agents (e.g., disodium EDTA andtetrasodium EDTA), preservatives (e.g., methylparaben andpropylparaben), pH adjusters (e.g., sodium hydroxide and citric acid),absorbents (e.g., aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, kaolin, corn starch,oat starch, cyclodextrin, talc, and zeolite), skin bleaching andlightening agents (e.g., hydroquinone and niacinamide lactate),humectants (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentyleneglycol, sorbitol, urea, and manitol), exfoliants (e.g.,alpha-hydroxyacids, and beta-hydroxyacids such as lactic acid, glycolicacid, and salicylic acid; and salts thereof) waterproofing agents (e.g.,magnesium/aluminum hydroxide stearate), skin conditioning agents (e.g.,aloe extracts, allantoin, bisabolol, ceramides, dimethicone, hyaluronicacid, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate), thickening agents (e.g.,substances which that can increase the viscosity of a composition suchas carboxylic acid polymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers,polyacrylamide polymers, polysaccharides, and gums), and siliconecontaining compounds (e.g., silicone oils and polyorganosiloxanes). Thefollowing provides specific non-limiting examples of some of theadditional ingredients that can be used with the compositions of thepresent invention.

i. Sunscreen Agents

UV absorption agents that can be used in combination with thecompositions of the present invention include chemical and physicalsunblocks. Non-limiting examples of chemical sunblocks that can be usedinclude para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), PABA esters (glyceryl PABA,amyldimethyl PABA and octyldimethyl PABA), butyl PABA, ethyl PABA, ethyldihydroxypropyl PABA, benzophenones (oxybenzone, sulisobenzone,benzophenone, and benzophenone-1 through 12), cinnamates (octylmethoxycinnamate, isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, octylmethoxy cinnamate,cinoxate, diisopropyl methyl cinnamate, DEA-methoxycinnamate, ethyldiisopropylcinnamate, glyceryl octanoate dimethoxycinnamate and ethylmethoxycinnamate), cinnamate esters, salicylates (homomethyl salicylate,benzyl salicylate, glycol salicylate, isopropylbenzyl salicylate, etc.),anthranilates, ethyl urocanate, homosalate, octisalate, dibenzoylmethanederivatives (e.g., avobenzone), octocrylene, octyl triazone, digalloytrioleate, glyceryl aminobenzoate, lawsone with dihydroxyacetone,ethylhexyl triazone, dioctyl butamido triazone, benzylidene malonatepolysiloxane, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, disodium phenyldibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexylbenzoate, bis diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl benzoate, bisbenzoxazoylphenyl ethylhexylimino triazine, drometrizole trisiloxane,methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, andbis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyltriazine,4-methylbenzylidenecamphor, and isopentyl 4-methoxycinnamate.Non-limiting examples of physical sunblocks include, kaolin, talc,petrolatum and metal oxides (e.g., titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).Compositions of the present invention can have UVA and UVB absorptionproperties. The compositions can have an sun protection factor (SPF) of2, 3, 4, 56, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90 or more, or any integer or derivative therein.

ii. Moisturizing Agents

Non-limiting examples of moisturizing agents that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include amino acids, chondroitinsulfate, diglycerin, erythritol, fructose, glucose, glycerin, glycerolpolymers, glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hydrogenated honey, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, inositol, lactitol,maltitol, maltose, mannitol, natural moisturizing factor, PEG-15butanediol, polyglyceryl sorbitol, salts of pyrollidone carboxylic acid,potassium PCA, propylene glycol, sodium glucuronate, sodium PCA,sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, urea, and xylitol.

Other examples include acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolin alcohol,acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, acrylates copolymer,alanine, algae extract, aloe barbadensis, aloe-barbadensis extract, aloebarbadensis gel, althea officinalis extract, aluminum starchoctenylsuccinate, aluminum stearate, apricot (prunus armeniaca) kerneloil, arginine, arginine aspartate, arnica montana extract, ascorbicacid, ascorbyl palmitate, aspartic acid, avocado (persea gratissima)oil, barium sulfate, barrier sphingolipids, butyl alcohol, beeswax,behenyl alcohol, beta-sitosterol, BHT, birch (betula alba) bark extract,borage (borago officinalis) extract, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol,butcherbroom (ruscus aculeatus) extract, butylene glycol, calendulaofficinalis extract, calendula officinalis oil, candelilla (euphorbiacerifera) wax, canola oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cardamon(elettaria cardamomum) oil, carnauba (copernicia cerifera) wax,carrageenan (chondrus crispus), carrot (daucus carota sativa) oil,castor (ricinus communis) oil, ceramides, ceresin, ceteareth-5,ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, cetearyl octanoate, ceteth-20, ceteth-24,cetyl acetate, cetyl octanoate, cetyl palmitate, chamomile (anthemisnobilis) oil, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, cholesterylhydroxystearate, citric acid, clary (salvia sclarea) oil, cocoa(theobroma cacao) butter, coco-caprylate/caprate, coconut (cocosnucifera) oil, collagen, collagen amino acids, corn (zea mays) oil,fatty acids, decyl oleate, dextrin, diazolidinyl urea, dimethiconecopolyol, dimethiconol, dioctyl adipate, dioctyl succinate,dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate, DMDM hydantoin, DNA,erythritol, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl linoleate, eucalyptus globulus oil,evening primrose (oenothera biennis) oil, fatty acids, tructose,gelatin, geranium maculatum oil, glucosamine, glucose glutamate,glutamic acid, glycereth-26, glycerin, glycerol, glyceryl distearate,glyceryl hydroxystearate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl linoleate, glycerylmyristate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE,glycine, glycol stearate, glycol stearate SE, glycosaminoglycans, grape(vitis vinifera) seed oil, hazel (corylus americana) nut oil, hazel(corylus avellana) nut oil, hexylene glycol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hybrid safflower (carthamus tinctorius) oil, hydrogenated castor oil,hydrogenated coco-glycerides, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenatedlanolin, hydrogenated lecithin, hydrogenated palm glyceride,hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenatedtallow glyceride, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrolyzed collagen,hydrolyzed elastin, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, hydrolyzed keratin,hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxylated lanolin, hydroxyproline,imidazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, isocetyl stearate,isocetyl stearoyl stearate, isodecyl oleate, isopropyl isostearate,isopropyl lanolate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropylstearate, isostearamide DEA, isostearic acid, isostearyl lactate,isostearyl neopentanoate, jasmine (jasminum officinale) oil, jojoba(buxus chinensis) oil, kelp, kukui (aleurites moluccana) nut oil,lactamide MEA, laneth-16, laneth-10 acetate, lanolin, lanolin acid,lanolin alcohol, lanolin oil, lanolin wax, lavender (lavandulaangustifolia) oil, lecithin, lemon (citrus medica limonum) oil, linoleicacid, linolenic acid, macadamia ternifolia nut oil, magnesium stearate,magnesium sulfate, maltitol, matricaria (chamomilla recutita) oil,methyl glucose sesquistearate, methylsilanol PCA, microcrystalline wax,mineral oil, mink oil, mortierella oil, myristyl lactate, myristylmyristate, myristyl propionate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,octyldodecanol, octyldodecyl myristate, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate,octyl hydroxystearate, octyl palmitate, octyl salicylate, octylstearate, oleic acid, olive (olea europaea) oil, orange (citrusaurantium dulcis) oil, palm (elaeis guineensis) oil, palmitic acid,pantethine, panthenol, panthenyl ethyl ether, paraffin, PCA, peach(prunus persica) kernel oil, peanut (arachis hypogaea) oil, PEG-8 C12-18ester, PEG-15 cocamine, PEG-150 distearate, PEG-60 glyceryl isostearate,PEG-5 glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 glyceryl stearate, PEG-7 hydrogenatedcastor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-60 hydrogenated castoroil, PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, PEG40 sorbitan peroleate,PEG-5 soy sterol, PEG-10 soy sterol, PEG-2 stearate, PEG-8 stearate,PEG-20 stearate, PEG-32 stearate, PEG40 stearate, PEG-50 stearate,PEG-100 stearate, PEG-150 stearate, pentadecalactone, peppermint (menthapiperita) oil, petrolatum, phospholipids, polyamino sugar condensate,polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, polyquaternium-24, polysorbate 20,polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 85,potassium myristate, potassium palmitate, potassium sorbate, potassiumstearate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,propylene glycol dioctanoate, propylene glycol dipelargonate, propyleneglycol laurate, propylene glycol stearate, propylene glycol stearate SE,PVP, pyridoxine dipalmitate, quaternium-15, quaternium-18 hectorite,quaternium-22, retinol, retinol palmitate, rice (oryza sativa) bran oil,RNA, rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) oil, rose oil, safflower(carthamus tinctorius) oil, sage (salvia officinalis) oil, salicylicacid, sandalwood (santalum album) oil, serine, serum protein, sesame(sesamum indicum) oil, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), silk powder,sodium chondroitin sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodiumpalmitate, sodium PCA, sodium polyglutamate, sodium stearate, solublecollagen, sorbic acid, sorbitan laurate, sorbitan oleate, sorbitanpalmitate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitol, soybean(glycine soja) oil, sphingolipids, squalane, squalene, stearamideMEA-stearate, stearic acid, stearoxy dimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, stearyl glycyrrhetinate,stearyl heptanoate, stearyl stearate, sunflower (helianthus annuus) seedoil, sweet almond (prunus amygdalus dulcis) oil, synthetic beeswax,tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tribehenin,tridecyl neopentanoate, tridecyl stearate, triethanolamine, tristearin,urea, vegetable oil, water, waxes, wheat (triticum vulgare) germ oil,and ylang ylang (cananga odorata) oil.

iii. Antioxidants

Non-limiting examples of antioxidants that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include acetyl cysteine, ascorbicacid polypeptide, ascorbyl dipalmitate, ascorbyl methylsilanolpectinate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, BHA, BHT, t-butylhydroquinone, cysteine, cysteine HCI, diamylhydroquinone,di-t-butylhydroquinone, dicetyl thiodipropionate, dioleyl tocopherylmethylsilanol, disodium ascorbyl sulfate, distearyl thiodipropionate,ditridecyl thiodipropionate, dodecyl gallate, erythorbic acid, esters ofascorbic acid, ethyl ferulate, ferulic acid, gallic acid esters,hydroquinone, isooctyl thioglycolate, kojic acid, magnesium ascorbate,magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, methylsilanol ascorbate, natural botanicalanti-oxidants such as green tea or grape seed extracts,nordihydroguaiaretic acid, octyl gallate, phenylthioglycolic acid,potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, potassium sulfite, propylgallate, quinones, rosmarinic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite,sodium erythorbate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, superoxidedismutase, sodium thioglycolate, sorbityl furfural, thiodiglycol,thiodiglycolamide, thiodiglycolic acid, thioglycolic acid, thiolacticacid, thiosalicylic acid, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12,tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocopherol, tocophersolan, tocopherylacetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocopheryl nicotinate, tocopherylsuccinate, and tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite.

iv. Structuring Agents

In other non-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present inventioncan include a structuring agent. Structuring agents, in certain aspects,assist in providing rheological characteristics to the composition tocontribute to the composition's stability. In other aspects, structuringagents can also function as an emulsifier or surfactant. Non-limitingexamples of structuring agents include stearic acid, palmitic acid,stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearic acid, palmiticacid, the polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol having an averageof about 1 to about 21 ethylene oxide units, the polyethylene glycolether of cetyl alcohol having an average of about 1 to about 5 ethyleneoxide units, and mixtures thereof.

v. Emulsifiers

In some non-limiting aspects, the compositions can include one or moreemulsifiers. Emulsifiers can reduce the interfacial tension betweenphases and improve the formulation and stability of an emulsion. Theemulsifiers can be nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionicemulsifiers (See McCutcheon's (1986); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,011,681;4,421,769; 3,755,560). Non-limiting examples include esters of glycerin,esters of propylene glycol, fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol,fatty acid esters of polypropylene glycol, esters of sorbitol, esters ofsorbitan anhydrides, carboxylic acid copolymers, esters and ethers ofglucose, ethoxylated ethers, ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl phosphates,polyoxyethylene fatty ether phosphates, fatty acid amides, acyllactylates, soaps, TEA stearate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, polyethyleneglycol 20 sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20), polyethylene glycol 5soya sterol, steareth-2, steareth-20, steareth-21, ceteareth-20, PPG-2methyl glucose ether distearate, ceteth-10, polysorbate 80, cetylphosphate, potassium cetyl phosphate, diethanolamine cetyl phosphate,polysorbate 60, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, and mixturesthereof.

vi. Silicone Containing Compounds

In non-limiting aspects, silicone containing compounds include anymember of a family of polymeric products whose molecular backbone ismade up of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with side groupsattached to the silicon atoms. By varying the —Si—O— chain lengths, sidegroups, and crosslinking, silicones can be synthesized into a widevariety of materials. They can vary in consistency from liquid to gel tosolids.

The silicone containing compounds that can be used in the context of thepresent invention include those described in this specification or thoseknown to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examplesinclude silicone oils (e.g., volatile and non-volatile oils), gels, andsolids. In preferred aspects, the silicon containing compounds includesa silicone oils such as a polyorganosiloxane. Non-limiting examples ofpolyorganosiloxanes include dimethicone, cyclomethicone,polysilicone-11, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, or mixtures of these and other organosiloxanematerials in any given ratio in order to achieve the desired consistencyand application characteristics depending upon the intended application(e.g., to a particular area such as the skin, hair, or eyes). A“volatile silicone oil” includes a silicone oil have a low heat ofvaporization, i.e. normally less than about 50 cal per gram of siliconeoil. Non-limiting examples of volatile silicone oils include:cyclomethicones such as Dow Corning 344 Fluid, Dow Corning 345 Fluid,Dow Corning 244 Fluid, and Dow Corning 245 Fluid, Volatile Silicon 7207(Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, Conn.); low viscosity dimethicones, i.e.dimethicones having a viscosity of about 50 cst or less (e.g.,dimethicones such as Dow Corning 200-0.5 cst Fluid). The Dow CorningFluids are available from Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich.Cyclomethicone and dimethicone are described in the Third Edition of theCTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (incorporated by reference) ascyclic dimethyl polysiloxane compounds and a mixture of fully methylatedlinear siloxane polymers end-blocked with trimethylsiloxy units,respectively. Other non-limiting volatile silicone oils that can be usedin the context of the present invention include those available fromGeneral Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y. and SWSSilicones Div. of Stauffer Chemical Co., Adrian, Michigan.

vii. Essential Oils

Essential oils include oils derived from herbs, flowers, trees, andother plants. Such oils are typically present as tiny droplets betweenthe plant's cells, and can be extracted by several method known to thoseof skill in the art (e.g., steam distilled, enfleurage (i.e., extractionby using fat), maceration, solvent extraction, or mechanical pressing).When these types of oils are exposed to air they tend to evaporate(i.e., a volatile oil). As a result, many essential oils are colorless,but with age they can oxidize and become darker. Essential oils areinsoluble in water and are soluble in alcohol, ether, fixed oils(vegetal), and other organic solvents. Typical physical characteristicsfound in essential oils include boiling points that vary from about 160°to 240° C. and densities ranging from about 0.759 to about 1.096.

Essential oils typically are named by the plant from which the oil isfound. For example, rose oil or peppermint oil are derived from rose orpeppermint plants, respectively. Non-limiting examples of essential oilsthat can be used in the context of the present invention include sesameoil, macadamia nut oil, tea tree oil, evening primrose oil, Spanish sageoil, Spanish rosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil, pimento berriesoil, rose oil, anise oil, balsam oil, bergamot oil, rosewood oil, cedaroil, chamomile oil, sage oil, clary sage oil, clove oil, cypress oil,eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, sea fennel oil, frankincense oil, geraniumoil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lavender oil,lemon oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, marjoram oil, myrrhoil, neroli oil, orange oil, patchouli oil, pepper oil, black pepperoil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil, rosemary oil, sandalwoodoil, spearmint oil, spikenard oil, vetiver oil, wintergreen oil, orylang ylang. Other essential oils known to those of skill in the art arealso contemplated as being useful within the context of the presentinvention.

viii. Thickening Agents

Thickening agents, including thickener or gelling agents, includesubstances that can increase the viscosity of a composition. Thickenersinclude those that can increase the viscosity of a composition withoutsubstantially modifying the efficacy of the active ingredient within thecomposition. Thickeners can also increase the stability of thecompositions of the present invention.

Non-limiting examples of additional thickening agents that can be usedin the context of the present invention include carboxylic acidpolymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers,polysaccharides, and gums. Examples of carboxylic acid polymers includecrosslinked compounds containing one or more monomers derived fromacrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, and salts and esters of theseacrylic acids and the substituted acrylic acids, wherein thecrosslinking agent contains two or more carbon-carbon double bonds andis derived from a polyhydric alcohol (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,087,445;4,509,949; 2,798,053; CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary,Fourth edition, 1991, pp. 12 and 80). Examples of commercially availablecarboxylic acid polymers include carbomers, which are homopolymers ofacrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerytritol(e.g., Carbopol™ 900 series from B. F. Goodrich).

Non-limiting examples of crosslinked polyacrylate polymers includecationic and nonionic polymers. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,100,660; 4,849,484; 4,835,206; 4,628,078; 4,599,379).

Non-limiting examples of polyacrylamide polymers (including nonionicpolyacrylamide polymers including substituted branched or unbranchedpolymers) include polyacrylamide, isoparaffin and laureth-7, multi-blockcopolymers of acrylamides and substituted acrylamides with acrylic acidsand substituted acrylic acids.

Non-limiting examples of polysaccharides include cellulose,carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionatecarboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulosesulfate, and mixtures thereof. Another example is an alkyl substitutedcellulose where the hydroxy groups of the cellulose polymer ishydroxyalkylated (preferably hydroxy ethylated or hydroxypropylated) toform a hydroxyalkylated cellulose which is then further modified with aC₁₀-C₃₀ straight chain or branched chain alkyl group through an etherlinkage. Typically these polymers are ethers of C₁₀-C₃₀ straight orbranched chain alcohols with hydroxyalkylcelluloses. Other usefulpolysaccharides include scleroglucans comprising a linear chain of (1-3)linked glucose units with a (1-6) linked glucose every three unit.

Non-limiting examples of gums that can be used with the presentinvention include acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate,amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, carnitine,carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluroinic acid, hydratedsilica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp,locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan,propylene glycol alginate, sclerotium gum, sodium carboyxmethyl dextran,sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof.

b. Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Pharmaceutical ingredients are also contemplated as being useful withthe emulsion compositions of the present invention. Non-limitingexamples of pharmaceutical ingredients include anti-acne agents, agentsused to treat rosacea, analgesics, anesthetics, anorectals,antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents including non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals,antimicrobials, anti-cancer actives, scabicides, pediculicides,antineoplastics, antiperspirants, antipruritics, antipsoriatic agents,antiseborrheic agents, biologically active proteins and peptides, burntreatment agents, cauterizing agents, depigmenting agents, depilatories,diaper rash treatment agents, enzymes, hair growth stimulants, hairgrowth retardants including DFMO and its salts and analogs, hemostatics,kerotolytics, canker sore treatment agents, cold sore treatment agents,dental and periodontal treatment agents, photosensitizing actives, skinprotectant/barrier agents, steroids including hormones andcorticosteroids, sunburn treatment agents, sunscreens, transdermalactives, nasal actives, vaginal actives, wart treatment agents, woundtreatment agents, wound healing agents, etc.

C. Kits

Kits are also contemplated as being used in certain aspects of thepresent invention. For instance, a composition of the present inventioncan be included in a kit. A kit can include a container. Containers caninclude a bottle, a metal tube, a laminate tube, a plastic tube, adispenser, a pressurized container, a barrier container, a package, acompartment, a lipstick container, a compact container, cosmetic pansthat can hold cosmetic compositions, or other types of containers suchas injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which thedispersions or compositions or desired bottles, dispensers, or packagesare retained. The kit and/or container can include indicia on itssurface. The indicia, for example, can be a word, a phrase, anabbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

The containers can dispense a pre-determined amount of a composition. Inother embodiments, the container can be squeezed (e.g., metal, laminate,or plastic tube) to dispense a desired amount of the composition. Thecomposition can be dispensed as a spray, foam, an aerosol, a liquid, afluid, or a semi-solid. The containers can have spray, pump, or squeezemechanisms. A kit can also include instructions for using the kit and/orcompositions. Instructions can include an explanation of how to apply,use, and maintain the compositions.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate certain non-limitingaspects of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill inthe art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which followrepresent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in thepractice of the invention. However, those of skill in the art should, inlight of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can bemade in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Example 1 Materials and Methods for Obtaining Extracts

The extracts identified in Table 1 were prepared from the whole plant.Each plant was individually obtained, ground, and dried, to produce apowder. The powder was treated according to the process described inFIG. 1. Each extract in Table 1 was prepared by and provided to theinventors by Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences,Yunnan, CHINA.

Example 2 Efficacy of Extracts

Each extract prepared according to the process described in Example 1was subjected to a variety of assays to determine their skin efficacy.The following Table 1 provides a summary of these data. A description ofthe assays used to obtain these data is provided below Table 1.

TABLE 1 B16 Collagen TNF-α AO Tyrosinase Plant Extract InhibitionStimulated Inhibition Activity Inhibition Oenothera rosea −80.518 −89.54−28.88 Salvia plebeia −42.301 −29.22 Elaeagnus lanceolatus −67.626−64.13 −30.22 Docynia delavayi −47.542 −63.79 Alternantheraphiloxeroides −35.971 −10.42 −28.38 Pyrus pyrifolia −20.682 −87.03Datura stramonium 61.885 −44.465 −26.97 −24.78 Picris hieracioides ssp.Japonica 29.806 −62.551 −29.68 −26.82 Phoebe neurantha −29.541 −90.49−29.37 Acanthopanax gracilistylus −13.25 −43.66 −17.62 Osmanthusfragrans 35.271 −65.592 −74.75 −21.07 Michelia chapensis −78.229 −61.21−21.2 Rhododendron spinuliferum −81.961 −91.53 −39.34 Dendrobenthamiacapitata −54.07 −89.32 −33.33 Ficus microcarpa −87.697 −89.96 −48.02Vitex negundo −62.44 −17.62 Sequoia sempervirens −89.127 −90.39 −44.19Cassia surattensis −61.48 Hypericum forrestii −90.61 −34.23 Ficus pumila−45.41 −27.84 Cercis chinensis −87.44 Rhododendron decorum −80.98 −89.62−18.16 Ficus retusa ssp. nitida −82.99 −81.43 −18.64 Berchemiapolyphylla var. leioclada −85.34 −20.79 Elaeocarpus decipiens −85.14−90.55 −25.69 Quercus variabilis −89.098 −88.76 −39.43 Prunus serrulata−48.995 −55.23 Melastoma normale −89.969 −90.18 −42.53 Lycium chinensis64.232 −23.234 −71.92 −24.85 Chamaecyparis pisifera −75.879 −84.61−33.57 Millettia dielsiana 63.307 −55.654 −80.51 −24.01 Plumbagoauriculata −82.659 −87.81 −35.48 Nandina domestica −68.886 −53.51 −20.07Smilax bockii −51.522 −69.3 Schima wallichii −85.116 −90.58 −49 Thevetiaperuviana −66.222 −24.03 −19.26 Carissa spinarum −55.148 −87.7 — Maesaperlarius −51.022 −13.7 −22.58 Wisteria floribunda 64.976 −16.421 −32.56Schima argentea −56.387 −29.44 −23.51 Acacia decurrens var. dealbata−94.503 −89.06 −36.25 Viburnum ichangense 43.022 −93.66 −87.08 −25.37Conyza sumatrensis 60.463 −65.007 −21.11 −22.31 Lantana camara −75.885−85.35 Euonymus bungeanus −73.908 −72.57 −26.96 Loropetalum chinensisvar. rubrum* −85.4 −88.38 −49.8 Jasminum mesnyi −64.987 −29.23 −22.58Stellaria saxatilis −70.043 −20.58 Elscholtzia cypriani −86.121 −38.27−17.89 Daucus carota −75.219 −22.65 Bougainvillea glabra −55.624 −24.45Serissa serissoides −51.755 −30.05 −16.09 Antidesma acidum −88.413−84.91 −45.82 Sargentodoxa cuneata −90.12 −90.82 −31.79 Ajuga forrestii*−60.514 −17.91 −12.1 Terminalia chebula −88.998 −91.26 −38.1 Paederiascandens −64.966 −27.33 −22.52 Lonicera japonica −15.155 −64.62 −16.22Achyranthes bidentata 48.53 −66.995 −19.05 Hedera nepalensis −58.104−23.45 −18.53 Canna chinensis −76.392 −31.02 Ephedra sinica −93.275−87.36 −53.67 Dichlrocephala auriculata −21.69 −80.436 −25.39 −18.65Prunus mume var. viridicalyx −66.348 −88.52 Castanea molissima −74.369−89.19 −33.1 Elaeagnus bockii −62.85 −34.28 Parkia biglobosa −46.022−54.37 −15.29 cinnamomum parthenoxylon −83.774 −88.6 −23.98 Euphorbiaesula −81.957 −89.55 −21.18 Sauropus androgynus −26.05 −73.638 −86.99−28.33 Chamaecrista mimosoides −82.346 −87.57 −28.47 Crotolariazanzibarica −83.556 −29.92 −13.74 Castanopsis eyrei −87.817 −87.57−28.61 Girardinia palmata −65.887 −15.71 Phoenix roebelenii −22.81−67.826 −87.57 −34.78 Vinca major −23.84 −29.153 −42.35 Swertiamacrosperma −27.26 −77.217 −53.48 Onosma paniculatum −26.25 −45.42Polygonum multiflorum −57.213 Gerbera jamesonii −26.28 −33.293 −48.86Astragalus membranaceus Duranta repens −59.57 −73.8 Callicarpamacrophylla −46.109 −86.99 Livistona chinensis −23.15 −89.63 −70.39−17.01 Incarvillea arguta −66.723 −21.13 Lepidium virginicum −62.833−20.37 −16.23 Fagopyrum cymosum 28.96 −59.044 −59.26 Quercus rehderiana−73.343 −88.65 −24.29 Cunninghamia lanceolata −91.893 −84.34 Deutziaglomeruliflora −21.36 −35.277 −57.02 **Both Ajuga forrestii andLoropetalum chinensis extracts were also found to stimulate collagen Isynthesis in the skin by the Collagen Stimulation Assay described below

B16 Melanogenesis Assay

Melanogenesis is the process by which melanocytes produce melanin, anaturally produced pigment that imparts color to skin, hair, and eyes.Inhibiting melanogenesis is beneficial to prevent skin darkening andlighten dark spots associated with aging. This bioassay utilizes B16-F1melanocytes (ATCC), an immortalized mouse melanoma cell line, to analyzethe effect of compounds on melanogenesis. The endpoint of this assay isa spectrophotometric measurement of melanin production and cellularviability. B16-F1 melanocytes, cultivated in standard DMEM growth mediumwith 10% fetal bovine serum (Mediatech) at 37° C. in 10% CO₂, weretreated with each of the extracts identified in Table 1 for 6 days.Following incubation, melanin secretion was measured by absorbance at405 nm and cellular viability was quantified.

Collagen Stimulation Assay

Collagen is an extracellular matrix protein critical for skin structure.Increased synthesis of collagen helps improve skin firmness andelasticity. This bioassay analyzes the effect of extracts on theproduction of procollagen peptide (a precursor to collagen) by humanepidermal fibroblasts. The endpoint of this assay is aspectrophotometric measurement that reflects the presence of procollagenpeptide and cellular viability. The assay employs the quantitativesandwich enzyme immunoassay technique whereby a monoclonal antibodyspecific for procollagen peptide has been pre-coated onto a microplate.Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any procollagenpeptide present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After washing awayany unbound substances, an enzyme-linked polyclonal antibody specificfor procollagen peptide is added to the wells. Following a wash toremove any unbound antibody-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution isadded to the wells and color develops in proportion to the amount ofprocollagen peptide bound in the initial step using a microplate readerfor detection at 450 nm. The color development is stopped and theintensity of the color is measured.

Subconfluent normal human adult epidermal fibroblasts (CascadeBiologics) cultivated in standard DMEM growth medium with 10% fetalbovine serum (Mediatech) at 37° C. in 10% CO₂, were treated with each ofthe extracts identified in Table 1 for 3 days. Following incubation,cell culture medium was collected and the amount of procollagen peptidesecretion quantified using a sandwhich enzyme linked immuno-sorbantassay (ELISA) from Takara (#MK101).

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) Assay

The prototype ligand of the TNF superfamily, TNF-α, is a pleiotropiccytokine that plays a central role in inflammation. Increase in itsexpression is associated with an up regulation in pro-inflammatoryactivity. This bioassay analyzes the effect of extracts on theproduction of TNF-α by human epidermal keratinocytes. The endpoint ofthis assay is a spectrophotometric measurement that reflects thepresence of TNF-α and cellular viability. The assay employs thequantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique whereby a monoclonalantibody specific for TNF-α has been pre-coated onto a microplate.Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells and any TNF-α presentis bound by the immobilized antibody. After washing away any unboundsubstances, an enzyme-linked polyclonal antibody specific for TNF-α isadded to the wells. Following a wash to remove any unboundantibody-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to the wells andcolor develops in proportion to the amount of TNF-α bound in the initialstep using a microplate reader for detection at 450 nm. The colordevelopment is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.

Subconfluent normal human adult keratinocytes (Cascade Biologics)cultivated in EpiLife standard growth medium (Cascade Biologics) at 37°C. in 5% CO₂, were treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 10ng/ml, Sigma Chemical, #P1585-1MG) and each of the extracts identifiedin Table 1 for 6 hours. PMA has been shown to cause a dramatic increasein TNF-α secretion which peaks at 6 hours after treatment. Followingincubation, cell culture medium was collected and the amount of TNF-αsecretion quantified using a sandwich enzyme linked immuno-sorbant assay(ELISA) from R&D Systems (#DTA00C).

Antioxidant (AO) assay

An in vitro bioassay that measures the total anti-oxidant capacity of anextract. The assay relies on the ability of antioxidants in the sampleto inhibit the oxidation of ABTS® (2,2′-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazolinesulphonate]) to ABTS®.+ by metmyoglobin. The antioxidant system ofliving organisms includes enzymes such as superoxide dismutase,catalase, and glutathione peroxidase; macromolecules such as albumin,ceruloplasmin, and ferritin; and an array of small molecules, includingascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, reduced glutathione, uric acid,and bilirubin. The sum of endogenous and food-derived antioxidantsrepresents the total antioxidant activity of the extracellular fluid.Cooperation of all the different antioxidants provides greaterprotection against attack by reactive oxygen or nitrogen radicals, thanany single compound alone. Thus, the overall antioxidant capacity maygive more relevant biological information compared to that obtained bythe measurement of individual components, as it considers the cumulativeeffect of all antioxidants present in plasma and body fluids. Thecapacity of the antioxidants in the sample to prevent ABTS oxidation iscompared with that of Trolox, a water-soluble tocopherol analogue, andis quantified as molar Trolox equivalents.

Anti-Oxidant capacity kit #709001 from Cayman Chemical (Ann Arbor, Mich.USA) was used as an in vitro bioassay to measure the total anti-oxidantcapacity of each of the extracts identified in Table 1. The protocol wasfollowed according to manufacturer recommendations. The assay relied onantioxidants in the sample to inhibit the oxidation of ABTS®(2,2′-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate]) to ABTS®.+ bymetmyoglobin. The capacity of the antioxidants in the sample to preventABTS oxidation was compared with that Trolox, a water-soluble tocopherolanalogue, and was quantified as a molar Trolox equivalent.

Tyrosinase Activity Assay

In mammalian cells, tyrosinase catalyzes two steps in the multi-stepbiosynthesis of melanin pigments from tyrosine (and from thepolymerization of dopachrome). Tyrosinase is localized in melanocytesand produces melanin (aromatic quinone compounds) that imparts color toskin, hair, and eyes.

Purified mushroom tyrosinase (Sigma) was incubated with its substrateL-Dopa (Fisher) in the presence or absence of each of the extracts inTable 1. Pigment formation was evaluated by colorimetric plate readingat 490 nm. The percent inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity wascalculated compared to non-treated controls to determine the ability oftest extracts to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme. Test extractinhibition was compared with that of kojic acid (Sigma).

Example 3 Paricular Combinations of Extracts

Based, in part, on the above data, it was discovered that a combinationof an aqueous extract from the whole plant of Polygonum multiflorum andan aqueous extract from the whole plant (or any part thereof) ofLonicera japonica can be used to inhibit/reduce TNF-α activity andinhibit/reduce tyrosinase activity while also providing the skin withprotection from the detrimental effects of oxidation. It should be notedthat the whole plant was used in these studies, in which such an extracthas differing ingredients when compared, for instance, with extractsfrom a part of the plant such as the leaf, stem, flower, or root. It wasalso discovered that the addition of an aqueous extract from the wholeplant of Astragalus membranaceus could be beneficial to skin.

A further discovery was the combination of Loropetalum chinensis var.rubrum extract from the whole plant with Ajuga forrestii extract fromthe whole plant was found to work especially well to provide skin withprotection from oxidative events (e.g., oxidation caused by reactionoxidative species or environmental conditions or sun exposure) as wellas inhibit TNF-α activity (which can reduce skin inflammation, calm orsoothe skin, and treat erythemic skin), inhibit tyrosinae activity(which can be used to lighten skin, even skin tone, and treathyperpigmentation, sun spots, or melasma), and increase or activatecollagen I synthesis in the skin (which can be used to rebuild the skinmatrix, increase collagen within skin, and treat fine lines orwrinkles). It was also discovered that the addition of Ephedra sinicaextract from the whole plant to this combination can further supplementthe inhibition of Tyrosinase activity in skin.

A further discovery was the combination of Loropetalum chinensis var.rubrum extract from the whole plant with Ephedra sinica extract from thewhole plant was found to work well together in inhibiting tyrosinaseactivity in that the combination can produce a synergistic effect.

An even further discovery is that the combination of Ajuga forrestiiextract from the whole plant with Ephedra sinica extract from the wholeplant can be used to provide skin with protection from oxidative events(e.g., oxidation caused by reaction oxidative species or environmentalconditions or sun exposure) as well as inhibit TNF-α activity (which canreduce skin inflammation, calm or soothe skin, and treat erythemicskin), inhibit tyrosinae activity (which can be used to lighten skin,even skin tone, and treat hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or melasma), andincrease or activate collagen synthesis in the skin (which can be usedto rebuild the skin matrix, increase collagen within skin, and treatfine lines or wrinkles).

Example 4 Testing Vehicles and Sample Compositions

Tables 2 and 3 describe generic skin testing formulations in which askin active ingredient can be incorporated into to determine the typesof skin benefits that can be attributed to the skin active ingredient.These formulations are prepared in such a manner that any resulting skinbenefit from topical application of the formula to skin can be directlyattributed to the skin active ingredient being tested. In the context ofthe present invention, the skin active ingredient that can be tested canbe a plant, plant part, or extract thereof from Oenothera rosea, Salviaplebeian, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Pyrus pyrifolia, Daturastramonium, Picris hieracioides ssp. Japonica, Phoebe neurantha,Acanthopanax gracilistylus, Osmanthus fragrans, Michelia chapensis,Rhododendron spinuliferum, Dendrobenthamia capitata, Ficus microcarpa,Vitex negundo, Sequoia sempervirens, Hypericum forrestii, Ficus pumila,Cercis chinensis, Rhododendron decorum, Ficus retusa ssp.nitida,Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada, Elaeocarpus decipiens, Quercusvariabilis, Prunus serrulata, Melastoma normale, Lycium chinensis,Chamaecyparis pisifera, Millettia dielsiana, Plumbago auriculata,Nandina domestica, Smilax bockii, Schima wallichii, Carissa spinarum,Wisteria floribunda, Schima argentea, Acacia decurrens var. dealbata,Viburnum ichangense, Conyza sumatrensis, Lantana camara, Euonymusbungeanus, Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum, Jasminum mesnyi, Stellariasaxatilis, Elscholtzia cypriani, Daucus carota, Bougainvillea glabra,Serissa serissoides, Antidesma acidum, Sargentodoxa cuneata, Ajugaforrestii, Terminalia chebula, Paederia scandens, Lonicera japonica,Achyranthes bidentata, Hedera nepalensis, Canna chinensis, Ephedrasinica, Dichlrocephala auriculata, Prunus mume var. viridicalyx,Castanea molissima, Elaeagnus bockii, Parkia biglobosa, cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Euphorbia esula, Sauropus androgynus, Chamaecristamimosoides, Crotolaria zanzibarica, Castanopsis eyrei, Girardiniapalmate, Phoenix roebelenii, Vinca major, Swertia macrosperma, Onosmapaniculatum, Polygonum multiflorum, Gerbera jamesonii, Astragalusmembranaceus, Duranta repens, Callicarpa macrophylla, Livistonachinensis, Incarvillea arguta, Lepidium virginicum, Fagopyrum cymosum,Quercus rehderiana, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and/or Deutziaglomeruliflora or any combination thereof, or all of such plants, plantparts, or extracts thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82,83, 84, and/or 85 of such plants, plant parts, or extracts thereof.Further, and as noted in Example 3, these particular combinations can betested in the following vehicles of Tables 2-3. Any portion of the plantextract can be used for testing (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flowerbulb, bark, fruit, seed, sap, whole plant etc.). It should be recognizedthat other standard testing vehicles can also be used to determine theskin benefit properties of extracts obtained from the plant extracts andthat the following formulations are non-limiting testing vehicles.

TABLE 2* % Concentration Ingredient (by weight) Phase A Water 84.80Xanthum gum 0.1 M-paraben 0.15 P-paraben 0.1 Citric acid 0.1 Phase BCetyl alcohol 4.0 Glyceryl stearate + PEG 100 4.0 Octyl palmitate 4.0Dimethicone 1.0 Tocopheryl acetate 0.2 Phase C Plant Extract** 2.0 TOTAL100 *Procedure for making composition: Sprinkle Xanthum gum in water andmix for 10 min. Subsequently, add all ingredients in phase A and heat to70-75° C. Add all items in phase B to separate beaker and heat to 70-75°C. Mix phases A and B at 70-75° C. Continue mixing and allow compositionto cool to 30° C. Subsequently, add phase C ingredient while mixing.**The plant extracts identified throughout this specification can beincorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. Any portion of the plant can be used tocreate the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flowerbulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.).

TABLE 3* % Concentration Ingredient (by weight) Phase A Water 78.6M-paraben 0.2 P-paraben 0.1 Na2 EDTA 0.1 Shea butter 4.5 Petrolatum 4.5Glycerin 4.0 Propylene Glycol 2.0 Finsolve TN 2.0 Phase B Sepigel 3052.0 Phase C Plant Extract** 2.0 TOTAL 100 *Add ingredients in phase A tobeaker and heat to 70-75° C. while mixing. Subsequently, add the phase Bingredient with phase A and cool to 30° C. with mixing. Subsequently,add phase C ingredient while mixing. **The plant extracts identifiedthroughout this specification can be incorporated into this testingformulation as the skin active ingredient. The extracts can beindividually used or combined in this testing vehicle. The concentrationranges of the extract (or combination of extracts) can be modified asdesired or needed by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. Anyportion of the plant can be used to create the skin-active extract(e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seedpod, sap, whole plant etc.).

The formulations represented in Tables 4-9 are non-limiting examples ofthe types of formulations that can be prepared in the context of thepresent invention. Any standard method can be used to prepare suchformulations. For instance, simple mixing of the ingredients in a beakercan be used. One should mix such ingredients and add heat as necessaryto obtain a homogenous composition.

Table 4 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 4composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table6 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer, cleanser, toner, mask, etc.).

TABLE 4 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*  0.1% to 10% Glycerin    3 to 40% Butylene glycol 0.0001 to 10%Propylene glycol 0.0001 to 10% Phenoxyethanol 0.0001 to 10% DisodiumEDTA 0.0001 to 10% Steareth-20 0.0001 to 10% Chlorhexidine Diglunonate0.0001 to 10% Potasium Sorbate 0.0001 to 10% Preservative** 0.0001 to2%  TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout thisspecification can be incorporated into this testing formulation as theskin active ingredient. The extracts can be individually used orcombined in this testing vehicle. The concentration ranges of theextract (or combination of extracts) can be modified as desired orneeded by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. Any portion ofthe plant can be used to create the skin-active extract (e.g., root,stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, wholeplant etc.). For instance, the combinations noted in Example 3 can beused. **Any preservative can be used identified in the specification orthose known in the art.

Table 5 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 5composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table5 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.).

TABLE 5 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*  0.1% to 10% Dimethicone 0.0001 to 10% Triethanolamine 0.0001 to 10%Phenonip 0.0001 to 10% Betaine 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10%Tocopheryl acetate 0.0001 to 10% Prodew 400 0.0001 to 10% Preservative**0.0001 to 2%  TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout thisspecification can be incorporated into this testing formulation as theskin active ingredient. The extracts can be individually used orcombined in this testing vehicle. The concentration ranges of theextract (or combination of extracts) can be modified as desired orneeded by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. Any portion ofthe plant can be used to create the skin-active extract (e.g., root,stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, wholeplant etc.). For instance, the combinations noted in Example 3 can beused. **Any preservative can be used identified in the specification orthose known in the art.

Table 6 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 6composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table6 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.). In particular embodiments, the Table 8composition can be a moisturizer.

TABLE 6 % Concentration Ingredient (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*  0.1% to 10% Glycerin 0.0001 to 10% Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10%Capryl Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10% Capric/CaprylicTriglyceride 0.0001 to 10% Lipex 205 (Shea Butter) 0.0001 to 10%Squalane 0.0001 to 10% Cetyl Alcohol 0.0001 to 10% Dimethicone 0.0001 to10% Ceramide II 0.0001 to 10% Stearic Acid 0.0001 to 10% Super SterolEster 0.0001 to 10% Arlacel 165 0.0001 to 10% Simulgel 600 0.0001 to 10%TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout this specificationcan be incorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. Any portion of the plant can be used tocreate the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flowerbulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.). For instance,the combinations noted in Example 3 can be used.

Table 7 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 7composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table7 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.). In particular embodiments, the Table 9composition can be a moisturizer.

TABLE 7 % Concentration Ingredient (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*  0.1% to 10% Glycerin 0.0001 to 10% Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10%Capryl Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10% Petrolatum0.0001 to 10% Squalane 0.0001 to 10% Cetyl Alcohol 0.0001 to 10% Arlacel165 0.0001 to 10% Dimethicone 0.0001 to 10% Simulgel 600 0.0001 to 10%TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout this specificationcan be incorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. Any portion of the plant can be used tocreate the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flowerbulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.). For instance,the combinations noted in Example 3 can be used.

Table 8 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 8composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table8 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.). In particular embodiments, the Table 8composition can be a sunscreen lotion.

TABLE 8 % Concentration Ingredient (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*  0.1% to 10% Xanthan Gum 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10%Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Capryl Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Pemulen TR-10.0001 to 10% Triethanolamine 0.0001 to 10% PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer0.0001 to 10% Finsolv TN    10 to 30% Sorbitan Isostearate 0.0001 to 10%Sunscreen Ingredient**    2 to 25% TOTAL 100 *The plant extractsidentified throughout this specification can be incorporated into thistesting formulation as the skin active ingredient. The extracts can beindividually used or combined in this testing vehicle. The concentrationranges of the extract (or combination of extracts) can be modified asdesired or needed by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. Anyportion of the plant can be used to create the skin-active extract(e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seedpod, sap, whole plant etc.). For instance, the combinations noted inExample 3 can be used. **Sunscreen ingredient can be any sunscreeningredient, or combination of such ingredients, identified in thespecification or known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In oneembodiment, the sunscreen ingredient is a combination of zinc oxide andtitanium dioxide.

Table 9 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The additional ingredients identified throughout thespecification can be included into the Table 9 composition (e.g., byadjusting the water content of composition). Further, the concentrationranges of the ingredients identified in Table 9 can vary depending on adesired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion, moisturizer cleanser, etc.).In particular embodiments, the Table 9 composition can be a cleanser.

TABLE 9 % Concentration Ingredient (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*  0.1% to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10% Citric Acid 0.0001 to 10%Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Capryl Glycol 0.0001 to 10% sodium methylcocoyl taurate    10 to 30% sodium cocoamphodiacetate    1 to 10% TOTAL100 *The plant extracts identified throughout this specification can beincorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. Any portion of the plant can be used tocreate the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flowerbulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.). For instance,the combinations noted in Example 3 can be used.

Example 5 Assays that Can Be Used To Test Compositions

The Efficacy of Compositions Comprising the Plant Extracts IdentifiedThroughout the specification, or a combination of such extracts(including, for example, the formulations identified in Tables 2-9), canbe determined by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.The following are non-limiting assays that can be used in the context ofthe present invention. It should be recognized that other testingprocedures can be used, including, for example, objective and subjectiveprocedures.

Erythema Assay

An assay to measure the reduction of skin redness can be evaluated usinga Minolta Chromometer. Skin erythema may be induced by applying a 0.2%solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the forearm of a subject. The areais protected by an occlusive patch for 24 hrs. After 24 hrs, the patchis removed and the irritation-induced redness can be assessed using thea* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measures changes inskin color in the red region. Immediately after reading, the area istreated with a formula containing any one, or any combination thereof,of the extracts identified throughout the specification. In particularaspects, the extract can be a Camptotheca acuminate extract, aLoropetalum chinensis extract, a Chrysalidocarpus lutscens extract, or aPotamogenton perforliatus extract, or any combination thereof. Repeatmeasurements are taken at regular intervals to determine the formula'sability to reduce redness, inflammation, or skin irritation.

Skin Moisture/Hydration Assay

Skin moisture/hydration benefits can be measured by using impedancemeasurements with the Nova Dermal Phase Meter. The impedance metermeasures changes in skin moisture content. The outer layer of the skinhas distinct electrical properties. When skin is dry it conductselectricity very poorly. As it becomes more hydrated increasingconductivity results. Consequently, changes in skin impedance (relatedto conductivity) can be used to assess changes in skin hydration. Theunit can be calibrated according to instrument instructions for eachtesting day. A notation of temperature and relative humidity can also bemade. Subjects can be evaluated as follows: prior to measurement theycan equilibrate in a room with defined humidity (e.g., 30-50%) andtemperature (e.g., 68-72° C.). Three separate impedance readings can betaken on each side of the face, recorded, and averaged. The T5 settingcan be used on the impedance meter which averages the impedance valuesof every five seconds application to the face. Changes can be reportedwith statistical variance and significance.

Skin Clarity and Reduction in Freckles and Age Spots Assay

Skin clarity and the reduction in freckles and age spots can beevaluated using a Minolta Chromometer. Changes in skin color can beassessed to determine irritation potential due to product treatmentusing the a* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measureschanges in skin color in the red region. This is used to determinewhether a composition is inducing irritation. The measurements can bemade on each side of the face and averaged, as left and right facialvalues. Skin clarity can also be measured using the Minolta Meter. Themeasurement is a combination of the a*, b, and L values of the MinoltaMeter and is related to skin brightness, and correlates well with skinsmoothness and hydration. Skin reading is taken as above. In onenon-limiting aspect, skin clarity can be described as L/C where C ischroma and is defined as (a²+b²)^(1/2).

Skin Dryness, Surface Fine Lines, Skin Smoothness, and Skin Tone Assay

Skin dryness, surface fine lines, skin smoothness, and skin tone can beevaluated with clinical grading techniques. For example, clinicalgrading of skin dryness can be determined by a five point standardKligman Scale: (0) skin is soft and moist; (1) skin appears normal withno visible dryness; (2) skin feels slightly dry to the touch with novisible flaking; (3) skin feels dry, tough, and has a whitish appearancewith some scaling; and (4) skin feels very dry, rough, and has a whitishappearance with scaling. Evaluations can be made independently by twoclinicians and averaged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Tone Assay

Clinical grading of skin tone can be performed via a ten point analognumerical scale: (10) even skin of uniform, pinkish brown color. Nodark, erythremic, or scaly patches upon examination with a hand heldmagnifying lens. Microtexture of the skin very uniform upon touch; (7)even skin tone observed without magnification. No scaly areas, butslight discolorations either due to pigmentation or erythema. Nodiscolorations more than 1 cm in diameter; (4) both skin discolorationand uneven texture easily noticeable. Slight scaliness. Skin rough tothe touch in some areas; and (1) uneven skin coloration and texture.Numerous areas of scaliness and discoloration, either hypopigmented,erythremic or dark spots. Large areas of uneven color more than 1 cm indiameter. Evaluations were made independently by two clinicians andaveraged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Smoothness Assay

Clinical grading of skin smoothness can be analyzed via a ten pointanalog numerical scale: (10) smooth, skin is moist and glistening, noresistance upon dragging finger across surface; (7) somewhat smooth,slight resistance; (4) rough, visibly altered, friction upon rubbing;and (1) rough, flaky, uneven surface. Evaluations were madeindependently by two clinicians and averaged.

Skin Smoothness and Wrinkle Reduction Assay With Methods Disclosed inPackman et al. (1978)

Skin smoothness and wrinkle reduction can also be assessed visually byusing the methods disclosed in Packman et al. (1978). For example, ateach subject visit, the depth, shallowness and the total number ofsuperficial facial lines (SFLs) of each subject can be carefully scoredand recorded. A numerical score was obtained by multiplying a numberfactor times a depth/width/length factor. Scores are obtained for theeye area and mouth area (left and right sides) and added together as thetotal wrinkle score.

Skin Firmness Assay with a Hargens Ballistometer

Skin firmness can be measured using a Hargens ballistometer, a devicethat evaluates the elasticity and firmness of the skin by dropping asmall body onto the skin and recording its first two rebound peaks. Theballistometry is a small lightweight probe with a relatively blunt tip(4 square mm-contact area) was used. The probe penetrates slightly intothe skin and results in measurements that are dependent upon theproperties of the outer layers of the skin, including the stratumcorneum and outer epidermis and some of the dermal layers.

Skin Softness/Suppleness Assay with a Gas Bearing Electrodynamometer

Skin softness/suppleness can be evaluated using the Gas BearingElectrodynamometer, an instrument that measures the stress/strainproperties of the skin. The viscoelastic properties of skin correlatewith skin moisturization. Measurements can be obtained on thepredetermined site on the cheek area by attaching the probe to the skinsurface with double-stick tape. A force of approximately 3.5 gm can beapplied parallel to the skin surface and the skin displacement isaccurately measured. Skin suppleness can then be calculated and isexpressed as DSR (Dynamic Spring Rate in gm/mm).

Appearance of Lines and Wrinkles Assay with Replicas

The appearance of lines and wrinkles on the skin can be evaluated usingreplicas, which is the impression of the skin's surface. Silicone rubberlike material can be used. The replica can be analyzed by imageanalysis. Changes in the visibility of lines and wrinkles can beobjectively quantified via the taking of silicon replicas form thesubjects' face and analyzing the replicas image using a computer imageanalysis system. Replicas can be taken from the eye area and the neckarea, and photographed with a digital camera using a low angle incidencelighting. The digital images can be analyzed with an image processingprogram and the are of the replicas covered by wrinkles or fine lineswas determined.

Surface Contour of the Skin Assay with a Profilometer/Stylus Method

The surface contour of the skin can be measured by using theprofilometer/Stylus method. This includes either shining a light ordragging a stylus across the replica surface. The vertical displacementof the stylus can be fed into a computer via a distance transducer, andafter scanning a fixed length of replica a cross-sectional analysis ofskin profile can be generated as a two-dimensional curve. This scan canbe repeated any number of times along a fix axis to generate a simulated3-D picture of the skin. Ten random sections of the replicas using thestylus technique can be obtained and combined to generate averagevalues. The values of interest include Ra which is the arithmetic meanof all roughness (height) values computed by integrating the profileheight relative to the mean profile height. Rt which is the maximumvertical distance between the highest peak and lowest trough, and Rzwhich is the mean peak amplitude minus the mean peak height. Values aregiven as a calibrated value in mm. Equipment should be standardizedprior to each use by scanning metal standards of know values. Ra Valuecan be computed by the following equation: R_(a)═Standardize roughness;l_(m)=the traverse (scan) length; and y=the absolute value of thelocation of the profile relative to the mean profile height x-axis).

MELANODERM™ Assay

In other non-limiting aspects, the efficacy of the compositions of thepresent invention can be evaluated by using a skin analog, such as, forexample, MELANODERM™. Melanocytes, one of the cells in the skin analog,stain positively when exposed to L-dihydroxyphenyl alanine (L-DOPA), aprecursor of melanin. The skin analog, MELANODERM™, can be treated witha variety of bases containing the compositions and whitening agents ofthe present invention or with the base alone as a control.Alternatively, an untreated sample of the skin analog can be used as acontrol.

ORAC Assay

Oxygen Radical Absorption (or Absorbance) Capacity (ORAC) of thearomatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can also be assayed bymeasuring the antioxidant activity of such ingredients or compositions.This assay can quantify the degree and length of time it takes toinhibit the action of an oxidizing agent such as oxygen radicals thatare known to cause damage cells (e.g., skin cells). The ORAC value ofthe aromatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can be determinedby methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see U.S.Publication Nos. 2004/0109905 and 2005/0163880; Cao et al. (1993)), allof which are incorporated by reference). In summary, the assay describedin Cao et al. (1993) measures the ability of antioxidant compounds intest materials to inhibit the decline of B-phycoerythrm (B-PE)fluorescence that is induced by a peroxyl radical generator, AAPH.

Elastase Assay

EnzChek® Elastase Assay (Kit# E-12056) from Molecular Probes (Eugene,Oreg. USA) can be used as an in vitro enzyme inhibition assay formeasuring inhibition of elastase activity for each of the plants, plantparts, and/or extracts thereof disclosed in this specification. TheEnzChek kit contains soluble bovine neck ligament elastin that has beenlabeled with dye such that the conjugate's fluorescence is quenched. Thenon-fluorescent substrate can be digested by elastase or other proteasesto yield highly fluorescent fragments. The resulting increase influorescence can be monitored with a fluorescence microplate reader.Digestion products from the elastin substrate have absorption maxima at˜505 nm and fluorescence emission maxima at ˜515 nm. The peptide,chloromethyl ketone, is used as a selective, collective inhibitor ofelastase when utilizing the EnzChek Elastase Assay Kit for screening forelastase inhibitors.

Lipoxygenase (LO) Assay

An in vitro lipoxygenase (LO) inhibition assay. LOs are non-hemeiron-containing dioxygenases that catalyze the addition of molecularoxygen to fatty acids. Linoleate and arachidonate are the mainsubstrates for LOs in plants and animals. Arachadonic acid may then beconverted to hydroxyeicosotrienenoic (HETE) acid derivatives, that aresubsequently converted to leukotirenes, potent inflammatory mediators.This assay provides an accurate and convenient method for screeninglipoxygenase inhibitors by measuring the hydroperoxides generated fromthe incubation of a lipoxygenase (5-, 12-, or 15-LO) with arachidonicacid.

The Colorimetric LO Inhibitor screening kit (#760700, Cayman Chemical)can be used to determine the ability of each of the plants, plant parts,and/or extracts thereof disclosed in this specification to inhibitenzyme activity. Purified 15-lipoxygenase and test extracts can be mixedin assay buffer and incubated with shaking for 10 min at roomtemperature. Following incubation, arachidonic acid can be added toinitiate the reaction and mixtures incubated for an additional 10 min atroom temperature. Colorimetric substrate can be added to terminatecatalysis and color progression can be evaluated by fluorescence platereading at 490 nm. The percent inhibition of lipoxyganse activity can becalculated compared to non-treated controls to determine the ability oftest extracts to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) Assay

An in vitro cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1, -2) inhibition assay. COX isa bifunctional enzyme exhibiting both cyclooxygenase and peroxidaseactivities. The cyclooxygenase activity converts arachidonic acid to ahydroperoxy endoperoxide (Prostaglandin G2; PGG2) and the peroxidasecomponent reduces the endoperoxide (Prostaglandin H2; PGH2) to thecorresponding alcohol, the precursor of prostaglandins, thromboxanes,and prostacyclins. This COX Inhibitor screening assay measures theperoxidase component of cyclooxygenases. The peroxidase activity isassayed colorimetrically by monitoring the appearance of oxidizedN,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD). This inhibitorscreening assay includes both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes in order to screenisozyme-specific inhibitors.

The Colormetric COX (ovine) Inhibitor screening assay (#760111, CaymanChemical), can be used to analyze the effects of each of the plants,plant parts, and/or extracts thereof disclosed in this specification onthe activity of purified cyclooxygnase enzyme (COX-1 or COX-2).According to manufacturer instructions, purified enzyme, heme and testextracts can be mixed in assay buffer and incubated with shaking for 15min at room temperature. Following incubation, arachidonic acid andcolorimetric substrate can be added to initiate the reaction. Colorprogression can be evaluated by colorimetric plate reading at 590 nm.The percent inhibition of COX-1 or COX-2 activity can be calculatedcompared to non-treated controls to determine the ability of testextracts to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme Activity (MMP1) Assay

An in vitro matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibition assay. MMPs areextracellular proteases that play a role in many normal and diseasestates by virtue of their broad substrate specificity. MMP1 substratesinclude collagen IV. The Molecular Probes Enz/ChekGelatinase/Collagenase Assay kit (#E12055) utilizes a fluorogenicgelatin substrate to detect MMP1 protease activity. Upon proteolyticcleavage, bright green fluorescence is revealed and may be monitoredusing a fluorescent microplate reader to measure enzymatic activity.

The Enz/Chek Gelatinase/Collagenase Assay kit (#E12055) from Invitrogencan be used as an in vitro assay to measure MMP1 enzymatic activity foreach of the plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof disclosed inthis specification. The assay relies upon the ability of purified MMP1enzyme to degrade a fluorogenic gelatin substrate. Once the substrate isspecifically cleaved by MMP1 bright green fluorescence is revealed andmay be monitored using a fluorescent microplate reader. Test materialscan be incubated in the presence or absence of the purified enzyme andsubstrate to determine their protease inhibitor capacity.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme Activity 3 (MMP3) Assay

An in vitro matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibition assay can be usedfor each of the plants, plant parts, and/or extracts thereof disclosedin this specification. MMPs are extracellular proteases that play a rolein many normal and disease states by virtue of their broad substratespecificity. MMP3 substrates include collagens, fibronectins, andlaminin. Using Colorimetric Drug Discovery kits from BioMolInternational for MMP3 (AK-400), this assay is designed to measureprotease activity of MMPs using a thiopeptide as a chromogenic substrate(Ac-PLG-[2-mercapto-4-methyl-pentanoyl]-LG-OC2H5)5,6. The MMP cleavagesite peptide bond is replaced by a thioester bond in the thiopeptide.Hydrolysis of this bond by an MMP produces a sulfhydryl group, whichreacts with DTNB [5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), Ellman's reagent]to form 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid, which can be detected by itsabsorbance at 412 nm (ε=13,600 M-1 cm⁻¹ at pH 6.0 and above 7).

All of the skin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods disclosedand claimed in this specification can be made and executed without undueexperimentation in light of the present disclosure. While theskin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods of this invention havebeen described in terms of particular embodiments, it will be apparentto those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to theskin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods and in the steps or inthe sequence of steps of the method described herein without departingfrom the concept, spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A topical skin composition comprising: (a) a TNF-α inhibitor, whereinsaid inhibitor is an aqueous extract from the whole plant of Polygonummultiflorum; (b) an antioxidant and a tyrosinase inhibitor, wherein saidantioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitior is an aqueous extract from thewhole plant of Lonicera japonica; and (c) a dermatologically acceptablecarrier, wherein the composition comprises at least 50% by weight ofwater.
 2. The topical skin composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition is a lotion, cream, gel, serum, or emulsion.
 3. The topicalskin composition of claim 2, wherein the composition comprises 0.001 to5% by weight of each of said aqueous extracts.
 4. The topical skincomposition of claim 3, wherein the composition comprises amoisturization agent, an antioxidant, a structuring or thickening agent,and an emulsifier.
 5. The topical skin composition of claim 4, whereinthe composition further includes a silicone containing compound.
 6. Thetopical skin composition of claim 4, wherein the composition furtherincludes a sunscreen agent.
 7. The topical skin composition of claim 1,further comprising an aqueous extract from the whole plant of Astragalusmembranaceus.
 8. The topical skin composition of claim 1, wherein thecomposition is a cleanser product, a toner product, a moisturizerproduct, or a mask product.
 9. A method of treating skin comprisingtopically applying the composition of claim 1 to skin in need thereof,wherein topical application of said composition treats said skin. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein the composition inhibits TNF-α activityand tyrosinase activity in said skin.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the composition is applied to inflamed skin.
 12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the composition is applied to hyperpigmented skin, asunspot, or melasmic skin.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein thecomposition is applied to skin having an uneven skin tone.
 14. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the composition reduces oxidative damage inskin cells.